Some assumptions in the Surrey dressing room are sure to come crashing down when "proper big dog" Virat Kohli joins the side, said England all-rounder Moeen Ali as he reflected on the Indian captain's much-talked-about county stint next month.

While there aren't too many big local names in the Surrey squad, there are a few international stars in the line-up, headlined by South Africa's Morne Morkel, Tom Curran, Dean Elgar and Australia's Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Finch.&nbsp

Moeen and his compatriot Chris Woakes are playing under Kohli for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL.

"I know a few of the Surrey guys and they are not what people make them out to be a lot of the time. But if anyone in that dressing room does think they are a big dog, they will need to sit down for a little while because there is a proper big dog coming," Moeen was quoted as saying by 'The Guardian'.

Moeen and Woakes also rejected the perception that the Indian captain is intimidating and aggressive.

"You see him on the field and people might think he's arrogant but it is the complete opposite. He's so humble it is almost weird how nice he is. He's the biggest name in India but will ring me to check I'm OK or ask if I fancy lunch.

"Sometimes a player will invite the squad to their house for a meal and it would be easy for him to say no. But he would always go. I can say with certainty that anyone who has a bad word doesn't know the guy," he said.&nbsp

Endorsing Moeen's view, Woakes added: "You have your perceptions of someone like Virat, who is quite passionate, emotional, in your face and plays it hard. But off the field he's very calm and you can chat about anything.

"He's very down to earth and for someone who has such huge pressures and public focus in India, to see him go about his business in this way quite refreshing."

Woakes went to the extent of saying that any other player of the team is irrelevant when Kohli is around.&nbsp

"In my first year of IPL I found as an overseas player you get a lot of attention walking through airports in India. But having him in the team ? the No 1, the king ? we're almost irrelevant.&nbsp

"It makes you realise what his life is like. So county cricket will be much more chilled and he'll enjoy that. Playing at smaller grounds, that will be an experience too. Having spoken to him about it, he loves touring other countries ? it's a release."

The English paceman also spoke of how Kohli approaches a match.

"Around 30 minutes before the bus leaves for a match, he does what he calls a ?priming session' in the gym. It's like a short burst of Olympic weightlifting.

"It's certainly different but it works for him. Overall, his fitness work is having a serious impact on the next generation of Indian players. He's leaner, fitter, more agile than those before."

Moeen and his compatriot Chris Woakes are playing under Kohli for the Bangalore in IPL

Some assumptions in the Surrey dressing room are sure to come crashing down when "proper big dog" Virat Kohli joins the side, said England all-rounder Moeen Ali as he reflected on the Indian captain's much-talked-about county stint next month. While there aren't too many big local names in the Surrey squad, there are a few international stars in the line-up, headlined by South Africa's Morne Morkel, Tom Curran, Dean Elgar and Australia's Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Finch. Moeen and his compatriot Chris Woakes are playing under Kohli for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL. "I know a few of the Surrey guys and they are not what people make them out to be a lot of the time. But if anyone in that dressing room does think they are a big dog, they will need to sit down for a little while because there is a proper big dog coming," Moeen was quoted as saying by 'The Guardian'. Moeen and Woakes also rejected the perception that the Indian captain is intimidating and aggressive. "You see him on the field and people might think he's arrogant but it is the complete opposite. He's so humble it is almost weird how nice he is. He's the biggest name in India but will ring me to check I'm OK or ask if I fancy lunch. "Sometimes a player will invite the squad to their house for a meal and it would be easy for him to say no. But he would always go. I can say with certainty that anyone who has a bad word doesn't know the guy," he said. Endorsing Moeen's view, Woakes added: "You have your perceptions of someone like Virat, who is quite passionate, emotional, in your face and plays it hard. But off the field he's very calm and you can chat about anything. "He's very down to earth and for someone who has such huge pressures and public focus in India, to see him go about his business in this way quite refreshing." Woakes went to the extent of saying that any other player of the team is irrelevant when Kohli is around. "In my first year of IPL I found as an overseas player you get a lot of attention walking through airports in India. But having him in the team ? the No 1, the king ? we're almost irrelevant. "It makes you realise what his life is like. So county cricket will be much more chilled and he'll enjoy that. Playing at smaller grounds, that will be an experience too. Having spoken to him about it, he loves touring other countries ? it's a release." The English paceman also spoke of how Kohli approaches a match. "Around 30 minutes before the bus leaves for a match, he does what he calls a ?priming session' in the gym. It's like a short burst of Olympic weightlifting. "It's certainly different but it works for him. Overall, his fitness work is having a serious impact on the next generation of Indian players. He's leaner, fitter, more agile than those before."

'Proper big dog' coming to County, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli

The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is halfway through and three franchises' Bangalore, Chennai and Rajasthan faced a huge blow on Monday.&nbsp

Before the tournament commenced, the teams had to bid adieu to a few remarkable players due to injury and now four more players will take an early exit due to their international commitments.

According to media reports, English cricketers Moeen Ali (Bangalore), Chris Woakes (Bangalore), Mark Wood (Chennai) and Ben Stokes (Rajasthan) have to return home.

&nbspThe players are part of the English Test squad which is scheduled to play Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting May 24.

Considering that ECB will recall its players at least a week before the start of international fixtures, these four might leave the tournament by May 17.

While Stokes, Woakes and Wood are confirmed selection in England Test squad, Moeen Ali might be dropped. But the chances are quite less.&nbsp

Talking about their IPL performance, Woakes failed to impress and got dropped from the playing XI.&nbsp

Wood has played just one game and was dropped after he leaked 49 runs with no success.&nbsp

Moeen Ali is yet to make his IPL debut and has warmed bench till now.&nbsp

Meanwhile, Stokes, the costliest buy in IPL 2018 auction, has been a regular part of playing XI but has failed to impress.&nbsp

He is yet to come up with a match-winning performance for his side.&nbsp

Before the tournament commenced, the teams had to bid adieu to a few remarkable players due to injury

The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is halfway through and three franchises' Bangalore, Chennai and Rajasthan faced a huge blow on Monday. Before the tournament commenced, the teams had to bid adieu to a few remarkable players due to injury and now four more players will take an early exit due to their international commitments. According to media reports, English cricketers Moeen Ali (Bangalore), Chris Woakes (Bangalore), Mark Wood (Chennai) and Ben Stokes (Rajasthan) have to return home. &nbspThe players are part of the English Test squad which is scheduled to play Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting May 24. Considering that ECB will recall its players at least a week before the start of international fixtures, these four might leave the tournament by May 17. While Stokes, Woakes and Wood are confirmed selection in England Test squad, Moeen Ali might be dropped. But the chances are quite less. Talking about their IPL performance, Woakes failed to impress and got dropped from the playing XI. Wood has played just one game and was dropped after he leaked 49 runs with no success. Moeen Ali is yet to make his IPL debut and has warmed bench till now. Meanwhile, Stokes, the costliest buy in IPL 2018 auction, has been a regular part of playing XI but has failed to impress. He is yet to come up with a match-winning performance for his side.

Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes to leave IPL 2018 midway

David Warner rode his luck to reach his 21st test century as Australia crawled to 145 for two at tea on day one of the fourth Ashes test against England on Tuesday.

Warner was caught on 99 just before the drinks break but was reprieved when the TV replay showed debutant paceman Tom Curran had overstepped his mark to the delight of a bumper Boxing Day crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Warner raised his hundred with a single on the next ball to add insult to England&#39;s injury but he was unable to capitalise on the life, nicking James Anderson behind to be out for 103.

Usman Khawaja was 10 not out at tea, with home captain Steve Smith on five, as Australia managed only 43 runs in the middle session after piling on 102 in the morning.

All-rounder Chris Woakes had earlier broken a 122-run opening partnership between vice captain Warner and Cameron Bancroft after Australia resumed on 102 without loss.

Woakes removed Bancroft leg before for 26 early in the session, the tourists&#39; first reward following a fruitless morning after Smith won the toss and opted to bat.

Warner had galloped to 83 at lunch but England`s bowlers did well to pin him down in the nineties and he ended up top-edging Curran to Stuart Broad at mid-on with a clumsy pull-shot.

The hard-hitting 31-year-old trudged away furious with himself but turned straight back after seeing the no-ball replayed on the scoreboard.

The terraces roared in delight at Curran`s misfortune and again when Warner pushed a single off his hip off the next ball to raise a ton boasting 13 fours and a six.

He celebrated with his customary leap and fist-pump but Anderson mercifully cut short Curran`s agony with a fine delivery that jagged back off the seam to catch the edge on the way through to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Australia, leading the series 3-0, regained the urn with victory in the third match at the WACA and are bidding to whitewash the tourists for a second consecutive home Ashes.

Australia made one change to their side from the third test with right-arm pace bowler Jackson Bird coming in for injured left-armer Mitchell Starc.

England also made one change to the side that lost by an innings and 41 runs in Perth with Surrey seamer Curran replacing Craig Overton who was ruled out with a broken rib.

David Warner rode his luck to reach his 21st test century as Australia crawled to 145 for two at tea on day one of the fourth Ashes test against England on Tuesday. Warner was caught on 99 just before the drinks break but was reprieved when the TV replay showed debutant paceman Tom Curran had overstepped his mark to the delight of a bumper Boxing Day crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Warner raised his hundred with a single on the next ball to add insult to England's injury but he was unable to capitalise on the life, nicking James Anderson behind to be out for 103. Usman Khawaja was 10 not out at tea, with home captain Steve Smith on five, as Australia managed only 43 runs in the middle session after piling on 102 in the morning. All-rounder Chris Woakes had earlier broken a 122-run opening partnership between vice captain Warner and Cameron Bancroft after Australia resumed on 102 without loss. Woakes removed Bancroft leg before for 26 early in the session, the tourists' first reward following a fruitless morning after Smith won the toss and opted to bat. Warner had galloped to 83 at lunch but England`s bowlers did well to pin him down in the nineties and he ended up top-edging Curran to Stuart Broad at mid-on with a clumsy pull-shot. The hard-hitting 31-year-old trudged away furious with himself but turned straight back after seeing the no-ball replayed on the scoreboard. The terraces roared in delight at Curran`s misfortune and again when Warner pushed a single off his hip off the next ball to raise a ton boasting 13 fours and a six. He celebrated with his customary leap and fist-pump but Anderson mercifully cut short Curran`s agony with a fine delivery that jagged back off the seam to catch the edge on the way through to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. Australia, leading the series 3-0, regained the urn with victory in the third match at the WACA and are bidding to whitewash the tourists for a second consecutive home Ashes. Australia made one change to their side from the third test with right-arm pace bowler Jackson Bird coming in for injured left-armer Mitchell Starc. England also made one change to the side that lost by an innings and 41 runs in Perth with Surrey seamer Curran replacing Craig Overton who was ruled out with a broken rib.

Ashes, 4th Test: Australia's Warner makes very lucky ton after being caught on 99

A pulsating Ashes opener that had promised a grandstand finish will more than likely end early with a handsome win to Australia after Steve Smith&#39;s side pushed within 56 runs of victory at the close of day four on Sunday.

The teams will return to the Gabba on Monday to go through the motions, and Australia&#39;s openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will look to mop up the winning runs after protecting their wickets with aplomb after tea.

Australia were 114 without loss at stumps, with Bancroft (51 not out) having celebrated his maiden half-century in his test debut after vice-captain Warner (60) raised his 25th as shadows crept across the ground.

The match was decided earlier, however, when England&#39;s middle order suffered a ruinous collapse after lunch for the second time in succession.

The loss of captain Joe Root for 51 some 10 minutes before the first break was a blow but there was still hope as Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow drove England to 155 for five.

From there it all went sour, as England crashed out for 195, a collapse triggered by a third umpire decision that may be debated for years to come.

Having breezed to 40, Moeen was beaten by spinner Nathan Lyon and wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped the bails off in a flash with the all-rounder&#39;s foot planted squarely on the line.

Long, tortuous deliberations followed, as New Zealander Chris Gaffaney pondered various angles of replay footage.

None confirmed that any part of Moeen&#39;s foot was behind the line, so Gaffaney duly sent the batsman packing.

It was Lyon&#39;s third wicket of a brilliant test for the offspinner and England&#39;s breaking point after three-and-a-half days of mostly valiant cricket.

They lost 4-40 and their last three wickets for 10 runs as paceman Mitchell Starc awoke to trample all over England&#39;s wafer-thin hopes.

All-rounder Chris Woakes added 30 runs with Bairstow but his uneasy 57-ball innings felt on borrowed time.

He was dropped at short leg off Lyon when yet to score but caught easily in the slips by Smith for 17 after worked over by a short ball from Starc.

Left to dig in and carry the tail, Bairstow instead threw away his wicket for 42 with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to the third man.

Stuart Broad was Starc&#39;s third victim four balls later when he feathered a nick behind and England&#39;s capitulation was complete when a harried Jake Ball was out for one, fending away Pat Cummins to fly slip.

Smith&#39;s epic, unbeaten 141 on day three will take on an even greater significance when his team finishes the job, given the scant contributions of England&#39;s batsmen in their second innings.

Root made the only half-century for his team, but it will be marked down as a footnote in a match and an emphatic first-up defeat in his ongoing duel with Smith.

It was back to the old stagers James Anderson and Broad to try to pull off a miracle.

But they washed harmlessly against the wall of Warner and Bancroft, who began opening their shoulders after a mostly watchful first hour.

In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Root.

After England resumed the day on 33 for two, Lyon had opener Mark Stoneman caught for 27 by Smith at slip.

The spinner and captain combined again when Dawid Malan nicked behind to fall for four.

Australia need 56 runs to win on Day 5 of the first Test

A pulsating Ashes opener that had promised a grandstand finish will more than likely end early with a handsome win to Australia after Steve Smith's side pushed within 56 runs of victory at the close of day four on Sunday. The teams will return to the Gabba on Monday to go through the motions, and Australia's openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will look to mop up the winning runs after protecting their wickets with aplomb after tea. Australia were 114 without loss at stumps, with Bancroft (51 not out) having celebrated his maiden half-century in his test debut after vice-captain Warner (60) raised his 25th as shadows crept across the ground. The match was decided earlier, however, when England's middle order suffered a ruinous collapse after lunch for the second time in succession. The loss of captain Joe Root for 51 some 10 minutes before the first break was a blow but there was still hope as Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow drove England to 155 for five. From there it all went sour, as England crashed out for 195, a collapse triggered by a third umpire decision that may be debated for years to come. Having breezed to 40, Moeen was beaten by spinner Nathan Lyon and wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped the bails off in a flash with the all-rounder's foot planted squarely on the line. Long, tortuous deliberations followed, as New Zealander Chris Gaffaney pondered various angles of replay footage. None confirmed that any part of Moeen's foot was behind the line, so Gaffaney duly sent the batsman packing. It was Lyon's third wicket of a brilliant test for the offspinner and England's breaking point after three-and-a-half days of mostly valiant cricket. They lost 4-40 and their last three wickets for 10 runs as paceman Mitchell Starc awoke to trample all over England's wafer-thin hopes. All-rounder Chris Woakes added 30 runs with Bairstow but his uneasy 57-ball innings felt on borrowed time. He was dropped at short leg off Lyon when yet to score but caught easily in the slips by Smith for 17 after worked over by a short ball from Starc. Left to dig in and carry the tail, Bairstow instead threw away his wicket for 42 with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to the third man. Stuart Broad was Starc's third victim four balls later when he feathered a nick behind and England's capitulation was complete when a harried Jake Ball was out for one, fending away Pat Cummins to fly slip. Smith's epic, unbeaten 141 on day three will take on an even greater significance when his team finishes the job, given the scant contributions of England's batsmen in their second innings. Root made the only half-century for his team, but it will be marked down as a footnote in a match and an emphatic first-up defeat in his ongoing duel with Smith. It was back to the old stagers James Anderson and Broad to try to pull off a miracle. But they washed harmlessly against the wall of Warner and Bancroft, who began opening their shoulders after a mostly watchful first hour. In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Root. After England resumed the day on 33 for two, Lyon had opener Mark Stoneman caught for 27 by Smith at slip. The spinner and captain combined again when Dawid Malan nicked behind to fall for four.

Ashes: Australia on brink of victory after England crumble

Joe Root compiled a composed, unbeaten 90 while all-rounder Chris Woakes hit an undefeated 68 as England completed a four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second one-day international on Sunday.

Responding to the home side&rsquo;s total of 225 all out off 47.5 overs after they chose to bat first, the tourists reached 226 for six off 48.2 overs to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead with the final match to be played in Barbados next Thursday.

England, who won the first match at the same venue two days earlier by the relatively comfortable margin of 45 runs, were cantering towards the target on the back of opening batsman Jason Roy&rsquo;s belligerent half-century at 108 for two in the 21st over.

But then the specialist spinners got the West Indies back into the match, triggering a slide which saw four England wickets tumbling for 16 runs.

Ashley Nurse returned his best-ever figures of three for 34 while Devendra Bishoo claimed two for 43.&nbsp;

However with fast bowler Shannon Gabriel unavailable after an opening three-over spell because of a side strain, captain Jason Holder resorted to part-time spinners on a helpful track without success.

Woakes, the more adventurous of the seventh-wicket pairing in a stand that put on an unbroken 102 runs, was missed at long-on by substitute fielder Rovman Powell off Carlos Brathwaite in what was the West Indies&rsquo; last real chance of staying in the game and squaring the series.&nbsp;

He was dropped again, by Holder at mid-off off Kraigg Brathwaite in the 47th over, by which time England were on the verge of victory.

Root struck just three boundaries in a controlled innings, his only blemish being an edge off Bishoo between the wicketkeeper and slip.

&ldquo;It was just about staying calm because we were so far ahead of the required rate,&rdquo; he explained after victory was formalised. &ldquo;Chris (Woakes) took a lot of the pressure off me with his aggression.&rdquo;

Fresh from claiming career-best ODI figures (4 for 40) in the first match, seamer Liam Plunkett played a key role in stifling West Indies&rsquo; quest to accelerate on a bright morning.&nbsp;

He removed topscorer Jason Mohammed (50) and Jonathan Carter (39) before adding the scalp of Nurse to finish with three for 32.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, apart from showing a safe pair of hands with the catches to dispose of both Mohammed and Carter, also accounted for dangerous big-hitters Holder, via a steepling catch of his own bowling, and Carlos Brathwaite.

Fast bowler Steven Finn did the early damage to the West Indies innings on the same pitch used for the series-opener which England won by 45 runs on Friday.

Poor shot selection contributed to Evin Lewis&rsquo; demise, a leading edge giving a simple catch to Sam Billings at cover, while a miscued pull by new batsman Kieran Powell presented Finn with the catch off his own bowling that took him to the milestone of 100 ODI wickets.

Reaching the landmark in his 67th match, he is the third-fastest Englishman to the feat behind Darren Gough and Stuart Broad.

&ldquo;We need to seize the opportunities that come our way,&rdquo; Holder noted in reflecting on batsmen failing to capitalise on good starts and also chances missed in the field in both matches in Antigua.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We keep losing too many wickets to poor shots at the top.&rdquo;

(AFP)

Chasing 226, England were 124 for 6 at one point before Root and Woakes steered them to safety

Joe Root compiled a composed, unbeaten 90 while all-rounder Chris Woakes hit an undefeated 68 as England completed a four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second one-day international on Sunday. Responding to the home side’s total of 225 all out off 47.5 overs after they chose to bat first, the tourists reached 226 for six off 48.2 overs to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead with the final match to be played in Barbados next Thursday. England, who won the first match at the same venue two days earlier by the relatively comfortable margin of 45 runs, were cantering towards the target on the back of opening batsman Jason Roy’s belligerent half-century at 108 for two in the 21st over. But then the specialist spinners got the West Indies back into the match, triggering a slide which saw four England wickets tumbling for 16 runs. Ashley Nurse returned his best-ever figures of three for 34 while Devendra Bishoo claimed two for 43. However with fast bowler Shannon Gabriel unavailable after an opening three-over spell because of a side strain, captain Jason Holder resorted to part-time spinners on a helpful track without success. Woakes, the more adventurous of the seventh-wicket pairing in a stand that put on an unbroken 102 runs, was missed at long-on by substitute fielder Rovman Powell off Carlos Brathwaite in what was the West Indies’ last real chance of staying in the game and squaring the series. He was dropped again, by Holder at mid-off off Kraigg Brathwaite in the 47th over, by which time England were on the verge of victory. Root struck just three boundaries in a controlled innings, his only blemish being an edge off Bishoo between the wicketkeeper and slip. “It was just about staying calm because we were so far ahead of the required rate,” he explained after victory was formalised. “Chris (Woakes) took a lot of the pressure off me with his aggression.” Fresh from claiming career-best ODI figures (4 for 40) in the first match, seamer Liam Plunkett played a key role in stifling West Indies’ quest to accelerate on a bright morning. He removed topscorer Jason Mohammed (50) and Jonathan Carter (39) before adding the scalp of Nurse to finish with three for 32. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, apart from showing a safe pair of hands with the catches to dispose of both Mohammed and Carter, also accounted for dangerous big-hitters Holder, via a steepling catch of his own bowling, and Carlos Brathwaite. Fast bowler Steven Finn did the early damage to the West Indies innings on the same pitch used for the series-opener which England won by 45 runs on Friday. Poor shot selection contributed to Evin Lewis’ demise, a leading edge giving a simple catch to Sam Billings at cover, while a miscued pull by new batsman Kieran Powell presented Finn with the catch off his own bowling that took him to the milestone of 100 ODI wickets. Reaching the landmark in his 67th match, he is the third-fastest Englishman to the feat behind Darren Gough and Stuart Broad. “We need to seize the opportunities that come our way,” Holder noted in reflecting on batsmen failing to capitalise on good starts and also chances missed in the field in both matches in Antigua. “We keep losing too many wickets to poor shots at the top.” (AFP)

England beat West Indies to clinch ODI series

&nbsp;All-rounder Chris Woakes is confident that England selectors will be able to squeeze both Ben Stokes and himself into the starting lineup for the four-match test series against Pakistan starting next month. 
 
Woakes was called up to the side last month after fellow all-rounder Stokes injured his knee during the first test victory over Sri Lanka in Leeds. 
 
The 27-year-old went on to score 105 runs in three innings and picked up eight wickets as England romped to a 2-0 series victory over the Sri Lankans following a comfortable win in Durham and a rain-affected draw at Lord&#39;s. 
 
&quot;I&#39;d be stupid to think that, if Ben (Stokes) is fit, I&#39;m going to play (over him), but I might have given them (the selectors) a headache. I might be able to fit into the team even if he is involved again,&quot; Woakes told British media. 
 
Meanwhile, test team mate Stuart Broad has set his sights on representing England at the 2019 50-overs World Cup after the seamer was omitted from the squad for the Sri Lanka one-day series announced earlier this week. 
 
&quot;A big aim of mine is to be in that World Cup squad in 2019. The two major tournaments coming up are that and the Champions Trophy and I&#39;ve got to plot a way back in really,&quot; said Broad, who is England&#39;s third-highest wicket-taker in one-day cricket. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m still only 29... A lot of people have played at World Cups at 32 and that&#39;s certainly not an old age for a cricketer, so I&#39;ve got huge goals to be a part of that and have to pick some stuff to get involved in.&quot; 
 
The 2019 World Cup is being hosted by England and Wales. 
(Reuters)

He was called up after his fellow all-rounder hurt his knee

All-rounder Chris Woakes is confident that England selectors will be able to squeeze both Ben Stokes and himself into the starting lineup for the four-match test series against Pakistan starting next month. Woakes was called up to the side last month after fellow all-rounder Stokes injured his knee during the first test victory over Sri Lanka in Leeds. The 27-year-old went on to score 105 runs in three innings and picked up eight wickets as England romped to a 2-0 series victory over the Sri Lankans following a comfortable win in Durham and a rain-affected draw at Lord's. "I'd be stupid to think that, if Ben (Stokes) is fit, I'm going to play (over him), but I might have given them (the selectors) a headache. I might be able to fit into the team even if he is involved again," Woakes told British media. Meanwhile, test team mate Stuart Broad has set his sights on representing England at the 2019 50-overs World Cup after the seamer was omitted from the squad for the Sri Lanka one-day series announced earlier this week. "A big aim of mine is to be in that World Cup squad in 2019. The two major tournaments coming up are that and the Champions Trophy and I've got to plot a way back in really," said Broad, who is England's third-highest wicket-taker in one-day cricket. "I'm still only 29... A lot of people have played at World Cups at 32 and that's certainly not an old age for a cricketer, so I've got huge goals to be a part of that and have to pick some stuff to get involved in." The 2019 World Cup is being hosted by England and Wales. (Reuters)

Woakes thinks there'll be room for him, and Stokes on the England team

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