Eng vs WI: England captain Ben Stokes backs Chris Woakes to fill James Anderson's void ahead of 2nd Test

England captain Ben Stokes has backed Chris Woakes to help fill the void by James Anderson in the bowling line-up. Ahead of the second and penultimate Test versus West Indies, which gets underway on Thursday (July 18) inTrent Bridge, Nottingham, Stokes believes Woakes is the right man to take charge of the pace attack following Anderson's retirement. The wily pacer called it quits after the first Test, of the three-match series, at Lord's with as many as 704 wickets (most by a pacer, third-most overall).

Prior to the second Test, Stokes said on Wednesday (July 17), "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, a very experienced 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."

Woakes, a veteran of 49 Tests, has 150 wickets in the format but is known for his ability to shine in home conditions with his discipline and movement with the red cherry. As a result, the fast-bowling all-rounderhas114 wickets at an average of 22.04 with 5 five-wicket hauls and a ten-fer in English conditions.

For Anderson, he has retired but continues to be part of the team,as part of the support staff to mentor the pacers.Stokes pointed outthe positive impact of Anderson's presence, especially in providing valuable insights and guidance to the bowlers.

In this regard, the Test captain highlighted, "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, "I think it has been a very, very smooth transition. But there is no doubt that there have been emotions with Jimmy. But with him still being around the team, I think he still knows that he has so much more to offer to the game with the ball. Couldn't think of a better bloke to be able to pass on the knowledge of fast bowling to the guys we have with us at the moment."

England lead the three Tests 1-0 after an innings and 114 runs win in the series opener versus Kraigg Brathwaite-led West Indies.