Chris Woakes opens up on pulling out of IPL 2023 Auction: From T20 to Test is kind of a giant leap

Chris Woakes opened up on pulling out of the IPL 2023 Auction, saying the leap from T20 to Test cricket is kind of huge for him. Woakes has performed for KKR (2017) and DC (2020-21).

Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 9, 2023 07:28 IST

Chris Woakes needed to concentrate on Test cricket. (Photo: AP/PTI)

By India Today Sports Desk: England all-rounder Chris Woakes opened up on pulling out of the IPL 2023 Auction, saying the leap from T20 to Test cricket is kind of huge for him.

The 34-year-old Woakes withdrew his identify from the public sale as he needed to make his case stronger for the Ashes. He will straightaway play within the County Championship following the tour of Bangladesh, which features a T20I collection.

“There were a lot of factors. One, my body whenever I have come back from the IPL before, I don’t feel I have come back in the best shape going into a Test summer,” Woakes was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.

“For me personally that jump from T20 to Test cricket is quite a big jump. I have always found that transition quite hard.

“I have never performed Test cricket for a yr, so I really feel like I would wish some overs below my belt to have the prospect to knock on the door for choice in what’s a tricky group to get again into on the minute. That is a giant a part of it.”

Woakes is yet to play under the Test captain Ben Stokes as a knee injury forced him to miss seven Tests. In September 2022, the ECB men’s managing director Rob Key confirmed that he still viewed Woakes as a multi-format player in the current 12-month contract period.

Woakes added that he wanted to be part of England’s team for the Ashes, which begin on June 16. He, however, conceded that it is difficult to break into the side as there are bowlers who are “bowling extraordinarily nicely”.

“I’d like to be part of it and I nonetheless really feel my document in England stands up towards anybody’s. If I can get myself ‘red-ball match’ and firing and bowling nicely, I’d wish to suppose I’d be within the combine,’ Woakes stated.

“But it’s a tough side to get into and there are guys bowling extremely well. I recognise that and have an opportunity at the start of the season to put in some performances.”

Published On:

Mar 9, 2023