Brendon McCullum laughs off concerns over Chris Woakes' overseas record, says he's still in the mix for tours

England head coach Brendon McCullum has made it clear that Chris Woakes remains a strong candidate for selection in upcoming overseas tours. Woakes, who has played 51 Tests for England so far, has shown a noticeable difference in performance when playing outside of England.

While the 35-year-old pacer’s bowling average is an impressive 21.83 in 31 home Tests, it jumps significantly to 51.95 in 20 overseas matches. Well, Woakes had a standout performance in the recently concluded three-match Test series against the West Indies at home.

Brendon McCullum backs Chris Woakes for overseas tours despite performance concerns

He took four wickets in the third Test at Edgbaston and finished the three-match Test series with 11 wickets to play a key role in the England Cricket Team's clean sweep 3-0 against the West Indies.

Following James Anderson's retirement, there have been doubts about Woakes' place in England's Test team, especially to regain the Ashes Urn in Australia later this year.

However, McCullum has dismissed any concerns about Woakes being overlooked, laughing off suggestions that his overseas Test average could impact his selection for future tours.

Woakes' last overseas Test appearance was in the West Indies back in March 2022, before the appointments of Ben Stokes and McCullum as the new captain and head coach, respectively.

On being asked whether Woakes would be considered for the overseas Tests, Brendon McCullum was quoted as saying by BBC Sport: “Yeah, why not? The way he bowled on these flat surfaces [in the West Indies series], reversing the ball, he was able to prise out some wickets.”

Brendon McCullum hails Chris Woakes as a remarkable cricketer

The England head coach added, “He's a remarkable cricketer who probably hasn't played as much as he could have in international cricket, but every time he has, he's done really well. Whether that means he plays overseas, let's wait and see, but it's hard to rub him out right now. He's done incredibly well, and I'm delighted for him.”

Another factor for England to consider Woakes is his batting skills. He contributed 134 runs at number eight, including a crucial knock of 67 runs in the first inning against the West Indies at Edgbaston.

As England prepares for the challenge of Australia, especially with at least one pink-ball test anticipated during the Ashes series 2024-25, balancing their bowling attack will be crucial.

Woakes could play a key role in England’s strategy, complementing the high pace of bowlers like Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue, but McCullum avoided looking too far at this time despite their next tour, which will most likely be The Ashes 2024-25.

The coach added, “There's a little bit of ammo that we are going to need on flat wickets when times arise.” McCullum signed off by saying on James Anderson’s role as mentor: “The information he’s been able to pass on and the way he’s fitted seamlessly into our group of coaches—we're so lucky to call upon that resource and the person he is. It’s never easy, but Jimmy seems really content right now.”