Chris Woakes Prepped for Edgbaston Test Despite Challenging Pitch for Bowlers

Chris Woakes is England's senior-most bowler now and he is taking his role seriously as he gets ready to face India at Edgbaston in the second Test. With James Anderson and Stuart Broad retiring from the scene, Woakes is now the experienced head among the young players. He accepts it's strange not to have them present but views it as an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and develop as a cricketer himself. At 36, Woakes remains eager to get better and deliver each time he steps out on the pitch and feels there's always something new to learn in this sport.

He is aware that there could be a day when the selectors want to look beyond him but currently he is relishing the responsibility and the challenge. He is very much of the view that age is merely a number and is more concerned about remaining fit and useful to the team.

Reflecting on the first Test at Headingley Woakes discussed how difficult it was for bowlers on such a flat surface. India's batsmen performed well scoring five centuries in the game and together both sides scored more than 1,600 runs. He acknowledged that conditions were challenging but complimented England for being able to take 20 wickets despite that, which proved to be the turning point in the game. For him it's not only about bowling when you are in a strong position but also about fighting back when the other team is on top. England were able to pull themselves back into the contest and ultimately pursue 371 in the last innings which was their second-highest winning pursuit in Test cricket history. Surprisingly their record highest ever pursuit of 378 was also against India a couple of years back.

Woakes also complemented India's strength of batting claiming they've always had talented players and a rich bench. He conceded England's bowlers would need to improve at Edgbaston where again the pitch should suit batters. The weather is looking good and with dry, sunny conditions on the horizon bowlers could be in for another tough week. But Woakes feels the team has considered what went well and didn't go well in the previous game and will attempt to do better in the places where they lacked. To him it's more about learning adjusting and returning to the next game stronger.

Being a cricketer who has experienced numerous ups and downs in Test cricket Woakes appreciates the significance of winning and how it boosts the team. He explained that doing well is nice but it is winning that actually increases confidence and creates momentum. England have been playing a aggressive and exciting type of cricket in recent years and Woakes believes that this kind of cricket has earned them success. The team is determined to continue with that type of cricket but also recognizes that there is always something that can be improved. He indicated that even in a win there were aspects the team could have done better and that they would be addressing those areas in the run-up to the next game.

Being the senior bowler in the squad now Woakes finds himself not only leading the attack but also mentoring younger players. He enjoys sharing his experience but also learning from the fresh perspectives of the newcomers. Cricket is a game where the learning never stops and that keeps him motivated. Even though the conditions are not always in the bowlers’ favour he feels that mental strength and good planning can help overcome those challenges.

Woakes is not letting pressure get to him. Rather he is living in the moment and focusing on the larger picture. He knows the pitches could be flat and the runs could be coming but the bowlers have a job to do. They have to be intelligent patient and remain true to their plans. For him it's not about getting wickets but also keeping the opposition on their toes and setting up chances in the long run.

The Edgbaston pitch has always been known to be batters-friendly particularly in recent years and with sunny weather being expected this time as well it may again prove to be an uphill task for bowlers. But Woakes is hopeful. He thinks that the team can cope and counter better now that they have faced similar problems at Headingley. It's all about execution and harmony and England have demonstrated that they can dig deep when the situation demands.

Woakes has been a reliable performer over the years and with his skill of being able to swing the ball and chip in with the bat he is still an important cog in the England team. His presence provides balance to the side and his composed nature helps in nervous situations. With the team gearing up for another high-pressure contest against India all eyes will be on how the bowlers react particularly as the conditions are not in their favor.

Ultimately Wookes's message is one of certainty. It may be another hard week for the bowlers at Edgbaston but the team is ready for it. They are learning from each game adapting to various conditions and dedicated to playing the sort of cricket that has provided them with success in recent years. With the right attitude and astute cricket England will try to overcome adversity and produce another high-quality performance in front of their home fans.