"Why not?" - Brendon McCullum not ruling out Chris Woakes for overseas series after his performances in ENG vs WI Tests
England Test head coach Brendon McCullum hasn't closed the door on Chris Woakes' possibility of featuring in overseas Tests despite the seamer's underwhelming record. The former Kiwi keeper-batter feels Woakes bowled brilliantly on the flat surfaces in England's 3-0 win against the West Indies.
The Warwickshire seamer, now the leader of the bowling attack, is arguably an incisive bowler in English conditions, averaging 21.84 in 31 Tests. However, the average plummets to 51.89 in 21 overseas Tests. In an interview last year, the veteran has made peace with not getting to tour India or Australia again.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, July 29, McCullum reflected that Woakes should've played a lot more cricket than he has. As quoted by The Telegraph, the former New Zealand captain said:
"Yeah, why not? The way he bowled on these flat surfaces [in the West Indies series], reversing the ball, he was able to prise out some wickets. He's a remarkable cricketer who probably hasn't played as much as he could have in international cricket but every time he has, he's done really well. Whether that means he plays overseas, let's wait and see but it's hard to rub him out right now."
The 35-year-old assumed the role of the senior seamer after James Anderson's retirement delivered wickets at crucial junctures for England. He finished with 11 scalps in three Tests at 21.36 apiece.
"Jimmy seems really content right now" - Brendon McCullum on James Anderson's new role
McCullum also remains in awe of how easily Anderson has transitioned into his new role of coaching from a player. The 42-year-old feels Anderson's experience has been a handful for the players, adding:
"To move straight into the coaching staff, what he’s given in the past couple of matches is quite incredible. Sometimes when you’re a player you don’t always give everything to everyone else because you’re worried about your own performance."
"But the information he’s been able to pass on and the way he’s fitted seamlessly into our group of coaches we’re so lucky to call upon that resource and the person he is. It’s never easy but Jimmy seems really content right now.”
England will next face Sri Lanka in a three-Test series, beginning on August 21 in Manchester.