Chris Woakes raises hand to lead England's pace attack in away Ashes in post-Anderson era

England great James Anderson has said goodbye to Test cricket after 21 years, 188 matches and 704 wickets, and now someone else has to step up, leading the pack in his absence. With Stuart Broad also gone, seamer Chris Woakes has raised his hands to willingly take up the responsibility with an eye on the away Ashes Down Under next year.

Woakes is part of the 14-man squad for the second Test against West Indies (at Trent Bridge), and with England plotting to assemble a new-looking seam attack for the remaining 17 Tests (in the lead-up to Ashes 2025), Woakes would play a handy role in bringing clarity to the captain and coach.

"I think I just don't rule anything out nowadays," Woakes said after England thrashed West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in Anderson’s farewell Test at Lord’s.

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Meanwhile, Woakes, 35, has contrasting home and away averages, with his performance in England miles ahead. While he averages a mere 22.04 in 29 home Tests, picking 114 wickets, his average is more than double in overseas conditions, with stats reading 36 wickets in 20 Tests at 51.88.

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Although he is aware of the drastic difference in his home and away performances, Woakes feels given how James and Stuart evolved with time, only getting better, his chances of doing the same are there.

"It would be hard for me to just stand here and say I'll be the opening bowler in the Ashes because obviously my away record isn't as good as at home," Woakes continued. "But at the same time, I've looked at Stuart [Broad] and Jimmy [Anderson] evolve as they've got older, and I still hope that I can potentially do the same."

Anderson made me a better player – Woakes

Having played alongside Anderson for nearly a decade, Woakes revealed the England great made him a better player.

Praising the third-highest wicket-taker in Tests, Woakes said Anderson’s ability to read the pitch and conditions was better than anyone he’s played with.

"The lessons and little nuggets that I've learned from him across the years has certainly made me a better player," Woakes said.

"I think he'll be very good in that new role as well, not just for the summer but hopefully moving forward. He's always been there at mid-off giving little words of advice.

"He assesses conditions and pitches better than anyone I've seen. The way he talks about what deliveries are working on the surface so early on is just incredible, really. He is the best at doing that,” he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)