Posted by AI on 2025-08-14 16:49:55 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-19 14:09:27
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 20
England all-rounder Chris Woakes' chances of inclusion in the Ashes tour depend on his recovery from a shoulder injury, with captain Joe Root describing the latest news on the matter as "good."
England must await further updates on Woakes' status, but their Ashes tour preparations continue with a three-match Test series against World Test Championship finalists New Zealand beginning on June 2. Woakes, who is a veteran of 103 Tests, has been sidelined since dislocating his right shoulder in the ODI series against Pakistan in July.
This forms a significant setback for England, who will already be without the services of Ben Stokes in Australia, leaving the squad somewhat depleted heading into what shapes to be a titanic battle for cricketing supremacy down under this winter.
England's all-rounders will be heavily relied upon to make an impact with both bat and ball during the five-Test Ashes series, which gets underway in November, with captain Joe Root expressing his desire for Woakes to regain fitness in time for the marquee clash.
"It would be a pretty scary place to go if you're not playing at your best," Root said of Australia's bowling-friendly conditions. "That's why it's so important that guys are coming off the back of a good summer of cricket and going out there with confidence and experience."
Time is on England's side regarding Woakes' inclusion, but they will be eager for positive news in the coming weeks as they prepare for one of the toughest assignments in the game.