Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

England’s Chris Woakes says he wouldn’t shy away from being selected for an overseas Test series. The pace bowler has typically struggled away from home in his career, with a staggering 78.31% of his wickets taken in England.

Woakes has taken 130 wickets in 32 Tests at home at an elite average of 21.52 and strike rate of 42.5. The contrast couldn’t be more stark away from home, with Woakes picking up just 36 wickets in 20 Tests at an average of 51.88 and strike rate of 102.8.

Time away from overseas Tests can give fresh look on things – Chris Woakes

However, Woakes believes he still has what it takes to succeed away from home. England have big tours coming up in the next 15 months, with trips to Pakistan and New Zealand this year followed by the Ashes in Australia next year.

“I’ll play for England where I’m picked to play for England. I certainly wouldn’t rule myself out,” Woakes said during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Manchester.

“The selectors will have their plans, but I’m certainly not going to turn down a tour if selected. I haven’t played an away Test for a little while, but that might be a good thing because it can give you a fresh look on things. I wouldn’t shy away from it.”

Woakes’ last overseas tour was Australia in the 2021/22 Ashes. He took just six wickets in three Tests at an average of 55.33. However, if the Australian surfaces have the kind of zip and movement seen during the 2023/24 season against Pakistan and West Indies, Woakes can be an asset in England’s quest for a first series win down under since 2010/11.

Also, what works in Woakes’ favour is his batting. He averages 27.84 in 52 Tests and is closing in on 2,000 runs.

“That’s a bonus, isn’t it? It’s certainly something which I’ve always worked on,” he said. “It’s an extra string in the bow which allows you to potentially be selected ahead of someone else who maybe can’t quite fulfil that role.”