XtraTime Web Desk: England’s star all-rounder Chris Woakes’s boyhood dream came true when he completed his maiden ton at Lord’s in the second test which helped the hosts to strengthen their grip over India.
Woakes came in the team in place of Ben Stokes who had a court trial this week was applauded by the teammates from Lord’s balcony. Not only that the spectators who was present in the ground were on their feat after watching the remarkable knock by him.
By the time bad light stopped play with Woakes unbeaten on 120, his batting average from three Tests at Lords sat at 122 to go with 16 wickets at just under 10 runs apiece.
“It was a sweet day after a frustrating summer, having missed quite a bit of cricket. I was over the moon just to get back in the squad, to be honest, so I could never have dreamed of scoring a hundred in my comeback Test.
“It’s still a blur, that 30 seconds of raising the bat feels like a blink of the eye. It was an incredible feeling and a boyhood dream. I’m lost for words, to be honest,” said Woakes.
On being asked about his inclusion in the playing XI in place of Ben Stokes, Woakes said, “Coming in in place of Ben Stokes, it’s quite big shoes to fill. But you try not to think about that – I don’t try to play like him, I play like myself, I try to do my job for the team, and thankfully I’ve done that so far.”
On the removal of Kohli in India’s 107 all out, accounting for his captain at Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this year with a beautiful outswinger, Woakes added: “We all know how good Virat is, a world-class player, No 1 in the Test rankings.
“He’s obviously a kingpin in India’s lineup. Particularly yesterday, with the ball moving around, it felt like it was a really good opportunity to try to get him out early. Once he gets in, he’s very difficult to get out – so I was delighted.”