With James Anderson's Retirement, Ben Stokes Backs Chris Woakes To Take Up The Leadership Role

Ahead of the 2nd Test against West Indies in Trent Bridge, England captain Ben Stokes expects Chris Woakes to take responsibility as he has been a 'phenomenal performer' for England in Test cricket. Earlier, Woakes stated how he would like to follow in the footsteps of James Anderson and Stuart Broad and get better in red-ball cricket with age. Captain Ben Stokes expects the same from the all-rounder, who has a terrific record in English conditions but averages 51.88 overseas. Woakes wants to improve his performance, while Stokes emphasized that he will have opportunities to lead the bowling unit. Chris Woakes has played 49 Test matches, picked up 150 wickets, and has 1777 runs under his belt.

With James Anderson's retirement, Ben Stokes backs Chris Woakes to take up the leadership role

For the first time since 2003, a certain James Anderson won't be eligible for selection for England in red ball cricket. It is the start of a new era for England's fast bowlers, and Gus Atkinson auditioned for the part perfectly with a Man of the Match performance on Test debut. Mark Wood, who is fresh and fit, is expected to replace Anderson for this Test. Although Anderson has retired, there isn't a shortage of experience in the pace attack with Chris Woakes and Mark Wood added to the squad.

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With Ben Stokes also proving his bowling fitness in the previous game, England has a well-rounded pace attack, and Anderson is still in the dressing room as the bowling mentor. Captain Ben Stokes expects the same from the all-rounder, who has a terrific record in English conditions but averages 51.88 overseas. Woakes wants to improve his performance, while Ben Stokes emphasized that he will have opportunities to lead the bowling unit. Chris Woakes has played 49 Test matches and picked up 150 wickets and has 1777 runs under his belt.

"I see it (James Anderson's retirement) as an opportunity for someone like Chris Woakes to take up the leadership role in the bowling unit. Woaksy is a very experienced bowler and player. We have been so used to Jimmy and Broady doing that. But we don't have them now. I see that as an opportunity for Woaksy. (Woakes has been) A phenomenal performer, especially in England, and great for him now to lead the attack," Ben Stokes said.

After retiring from international cricket following the first Test in Lord's, Anderson chose to stay with the team as a bowling consultant. Stokes believes this decision will allow the younger players to benefit from Anderson's experience and improve their game.

"The last few days have been really good. You can see that the lads are really desperate to pick his brains. Obviously, before that, it was a bit different. Jimmy has always been preparing for his games, so it's about letting him do his stuff and pick his brains as much as you can, that felt appropriate. But now obviously he's just standing there and you can see lads drawn towards him wanting to pick his brains about what he thinks, how he holds certain deliveries," Stokes added.

Talking about the England vs West Indies 2nd Test in Trent Bridge, West Indies have won the toss and have opted to field. Kevin Sinclair is set to replace Motie for West Indies, while Mark Wood comes in for James Anderson. West Indies made a late change because Motie is reportedly unwell.

Teams:

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir

West Indies (Playing XI): Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (WK), Alzarri Joseph, Kevin Sinclair, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales