England vs India 2018 - I Never Dreamt I Would Play This Well - Chris Woakes

England’s all-rounder Chris Woakes said that he never dreamt he would play this well. The right-hander scored his maiden century to put the visitors on the backfoot. Woakes who replaced Ben Stokes for the second Test brought out his best when it mattered the most.

The England all-rounder put together an alliance of 189 runs with Jonny Bairstow to put hosts noses in front. In fact, Woakes not only contributed with the bat but also with the ball. The all-rounder was right on the money with his line and length. Therefore, he even took out the big fish, Virat Kohli.

Chris Woakes feels surreal.

Woakes said he never dreamed that he would get a hundred when he will make a comeback on Test arena. “It’s a sweet day really. I was over the moon to get the call to be back in the squad and I could never have dreamed of getting a hundred in my comeback Test,” said Woakes in the post-match press conference.

Woakes scored 18 fours in his memorable innings. Thus, the right-hander along with England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow was able to take the game away from India.

Woakes went on to add that he was mentally ready for the red ball version of the game. The England all-rounder had to fill in the big shoes of Ben Stokes and he did justice to his role.

Woakes was able to play a fine knock.

“It would’ve been nice to have had a little bit more red-ball cricket under my belt but I definitely felt I was ready from the mental side of things if called upon. Obviously coming in instead of Ben Stokes it’s quite big boots to fill but I try not to play like him, I try to play like myself and hopefully I’ve done a job so far.”

In fact, the Mecca of Cricket, Lord’s is a favourite ground for Chris Woakes. The England all-rounder has scalped 17 wickets in the four Test matches and has scored his runs at an average of 121.

“I don’t know to be honest. Obviously, I’ve had a couple of good games here in the past. I don’t know whether it’s the surface or the conditions or I’ve just hit form at the right time. The slope gives you a little bit more to work with as a bowler and I feel like I’ve bowled well from the Nursery end here.”

It was a fine performance from Chris Woakes which has helped England in taking control of the second Test match. Woakes knows that his job is not yet finished and he would like to contribute with the ball in the second innings.