Having been honoured because the Player of the Series through the Ashes, Woakes has clinched the ICC Men’s Player of the Month distinction for July 2023, prevailing over robust contenders together with fellow countryman Zak Crawley and Netherlands’ standout performer Bas de Leede.
“It’s very good to have been voted ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July. Everything we did within the Ashes was a crew effort, and no particular person awards could be doable with out everybody else doing their job but it surely’s at all times good to be recognised, particularly when it is a public vote,” Woakes told ICC.
“It was a great series, and I’m just very happy that it captured the imagination and attention of the public so much. It was great to have so much support and it was a hugely enjoyable series to play in,” he added.
In the preliminary two Tests of the collection, Woakes remained absent from the enjoying area. As England confronted a frightening 0-2 deficit heading into the third Test at Headingley, they wanted a swift and important affect from the incoming gamers to resuscitate their marketing campaign. Woakes seized this chance with distinction.
Upon his return to Test cricket after an absence of over a yr, Woakes demonstrated his prowess by securing three wickets in every innings. These dismissals included notable batters like Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja.
Yet, his contribution prolonged past bowling. In a nail-biting chase, Woakes performed a pivotal function with a useful unbeaten rating of 32, which proved instrumental in holding England’s collection hopes alive.
Woakes carried his excellent efficiency ahead into the fourth Test, the place he achieved his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket through the first innings. Regrettably, the climate in the end dictated the destiny of the match, with the ultimate day succumbing to rain and the Manchester Test culminating in a draw.
Concluding the collection on a excessive notice, Woakes garnered the Man of the Match recognition within the closing Test at The Oval. Displaying his versatility, the 34-year-old notched a vital 36 runs from simply as many balls within the first innings. Moreover, he continued to wreak havoc with the ball, showcasing his prowess as a bowler as soon as once more.
(With ANI inputs)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com