‘Hopefully I’ve done enough’: Woakes pushing for England XI

15 Oct 2022 PA

After starring against Australia on Friday night, Chris Woakes put himself in contention for England’s preferred side at the upcoming T20 World Cup

Chris Woakes has endured an injury-riddled past few months but is now eyeing a place in England's line-up for their opening match at the T20 World Cup next weekend.

After a busy schedule last winter, Woakes was restricted to just one appearance - in Warwickshire's second XI - over the English summer and underwent an operation on his left knee in late July.

He admits he had a difficult time watching England's Test and limited-overs sides from afar but has put in encouraging performances on his comeback, first in Pakistan and now Australia.

On a string: Every ball of Chris Woakes’ opening spell

While his three wickets in the third and final T20 between England and Australia on Friday were in vain after an abandonment due to rain in Canberra, the 33-year-old Woakes is content to be back playing.

"When you get past 30, you don't want to miss any cricket," he said.

"Earlier in your career you have breaks and you quite enjoy them, whereas this time round it felt like I was missing opportunities to be playing for England.

"It has been a tough six months, both physically with my knee and then mentally as well.

"I watch a lot of cricket, it's not always best for you when you're not going to be around the team.

"It's just satisfying to be back amongst the squad and back playing for England. I'm just thoroughly enjoying it."

England walk away with a confidence-boosting 2-0 series win over the defending world champions in the shortest format and will now head to Brisbane for a warm-up against Pakistan at the Gabba on Monday.

Woakes finds form after a 'tough six months'

They then travel to Perth for their first World Cup assignment against Afghanistan next Saturday, with Woakes hoping his new-ball skills and all-round credentials can push him ahead of his rivals for a spot.

"When I have batted I've shown what I can do, so that might be something that gives me the nod," he said.

"It's something I've always had in my locker, batting down the order.

"The batting line-up is pretty much set, bowling we could go a number of different ways. Hopefully I've done enough. Taking three wickets won't have hurt."