After a long and curious absence from the Test arena, England’s seasoned fast bowler Chris Woakes is set to make his much-anticipated return in the second Test against India. The 35-year-old all-rounder has not featured in a home Test since 2020, and his reintroduction into the squad arrives at a pivotal time for England, who are looking to level the series after a setback in the opening match. Known for his lethal swing, calm demeanor, and dependability with both ball and bat, Woakes’ comeback could offer the balance and experience England desperately need.
Woakes’ omission from the Test side over the past four years has always raised eyebrows. Injury setbacks, changing team combinations, and England’s shift toward newer pace options all played a role in his prolonged absence. However, few could ever question his effectiveness in home conditions. With an enviable record on English soil—averaging under 23 with the ball—Woakes has been a force whenever he has donned the whites at home.
His return comes at a time when England’s bowling unit is searching for rhythm. The first Test exposed some cracks, particularly in their ability to finish off India’s lower order and sustain pressure for long spells. Woakes, with his disciplined line, ability to swing the new ball, and knack for picking up crucial wickets, brings precisely the kind of control and penetration that England seemed to lack. More importantly, his ability to contribute valuable runs down the order makes him an all-round asset.
Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum are believed to have pushed for Woakes’ inclusion, seeing him as someone who offers a dual advantage—reliability and familiarity with conditions. His record at venues like Lord’s, Headingley, and The Oval stands testament to his match-winning abilities. Despite the influx of aggressive, fast-paced cricket in England’s recent Test blueprint, Woakes is one of the few players who can both adapt to that style and bring in the traditional virtues of line-and-length seam bowling.
Woakes, too, will be eager to prove his worth. Speaking ahead of the match, he expressed gratitude for the faith shown in him and admitted that the four-year gap had tested his patience. Yet, he emphasized that he never gave up hope and continued to work quietly behind the scenes, waiting for his chance. That chance is now, and few English fans would bet against him making it count.
His experience could also help some of the younger pacers in the squad. The likes of Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson, who are still finding their feet at the international level, can only benefit from having a senior like Woakes in the dressing room, guiding them through the pressures of high-stakes cricket.
As England prepare for the second Test, the return of Chris Woakes feels less like a gamble and more like the restoration of a proven weapon. Whether with the ball under cloudy skies or the bat during a lower-order rescue, Woakes’ presence could be the difference between another heartbreak and a series-leveling performance.