Chris Woakes explains tactical move against West Indies' tail after Michael Vaughan's criticism

England all-rounder Chris Woakes defended his team’s strategy on the third day of the ongoing second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge. Responding to criticism from Michael Vaughan, Woakes explained that the England Cricket Team’s decision to open the field for No. 11 Shamar Joseph was a tactical move to trap him, as Joshua Da Silva was scoring runs from the other end.

Vaughan, the former England captain, had criticized Ben Stokes and his team for their defensive tactics, suggesting that it allowed the West Indies to gain a significant advantage, as the visitors managed to take a 41-run lead after finishing their first inning at 457 at Trent Bridge.

Chris Woakes defends England's strategy on day three of second Test against West Indies

Kavem Hodge (120) smashed a century, while Alick Athanaze (82) and Joshua Da Silva (82*) smashed brilliant fifties to help the West Indies team take a first-inning lead in the second Test match against England. Da Silva also forged a vital 71-run partnership with Joseph for the last wicket.

On the third day, England started strongly with the ball, as Woakes ended with figures of 4/84, including three wickets in a crucial 10-over session to reduce the West Indies to 386/9, still trailing by 30 runs of the hosts first innings total of 416 runs at Trent Bridge. However, Mark Wood managed to dismiss Joseph for 33 to wrap up the West Indies’ innings at 457 after Da Silva’s onslaught.

Well, Woakes stressed that the England team’s strategy was to handle the threat posed by Da Silva while creating opportunities to dismiss Joseph. The pacer believes England’s approach rewarded them with success later, but the credit goes to Shamara for the way he batted at No. 11.

It’s not always going to be perfect: Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes said after the day’s play, as reported by IANS: “It’s a period that can cause problems. You just have to commit to the plan you’re going with. It’s not always going to be perfect. When the field goes out, as a bowler, it’s easy to think you’re not trying to get the set batter out and just think of the number 11.

At the same time, you don’t want to give away easy boundaries. You don’t always expect the number 11 to hit a couple into the stands. Fair play to them; they played it pretty well. We committed to it for long enough and eventually got the reward.”

Furthermore, Woakes expressed caution about declaring England ahead in the Test, noting that the game could quickly shift. He highlighted the importance of scoring as many runs as possible with two days remaining.

I never like to say we’re in front in a test: Chris Woakes

The pacer has emphasized the goal of bowling to the West Indies on the fifth day, anticipating a potentially worn pitch if they manage to post over 300 runs on the board. Woakes added, “I never like to say we’re in front in a test, because half an hour can go against us and we’re behind the game again. If the West Indies take quick wickets, they will feel ahead again. Naturally, we want as many runs as possible, and there’s still two days to play.

We want to be bowling at them as much as possible on day five when the pitch could wear a little. Sunday is a big day for us; to build the lead up to 250 and 300, then hopefully we can make it really big.”