Raring to go, England’s fast bowler Chris Woakes is bound to replace newly inducted Test bowler Toby Roland-Jones for the second Test against Windies which is scheduled at Headingley in Leeds on August 25 (Friday).
“Toby [Roland-Jones] unfortunately misses out. He’s not done a lot wrong – he’s taken his opportunities, played some fantastic cricket,” Root was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
After leading the three-match Investec Test series by 1-0, the hosts led by Joe Root won the first-ever Pink ball Test at home convincingly by an innings and 209 runs at Edgbaston in Birmingham against hapless Jason Holder’s Caribbean side.
Interestingly, the 29-year-old Middlesex-born Roland-Jones has a successful start while donning the white jersey after making his debut in May against South Africa at Lord’s in ODIs.
“I see him [Roland-Jones] being a massive part of our future, but it’s a great chance for Chris to come back and show his class,” Root added.
The 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler has played his previous Test in December 2016 at Wankhede against formidable India in Mumbai.
Pertinently, Woakes has featured in the limited overs this summer and is yet to feature in the five-day game after nursing a side strain during the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh in June, this year.
While returning to his happy hunting ground, Root would be leading his side for the first time and has aimed to give their hundred percent.
“Every chance I get to play for England at Headingley is a great opportunity, but to captain…I’m really looking forward to it,” Root maintained.
In six innings of three Test matches, Roland-Jones has bagged 14 wickets at an average of impressive 19.35, which included a five wicket haul against South Africa. The right-arm fast bowler conceded 57 runs in his 16.4 overs.
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However, Root is aware of the visitors while showing no complacency against Windies side which is yet to register a win on the British Isles since 2000.
“There’s a lot of work to do. They’ll be desperate to bounce back and will come hard,” Root remarked.
Resolute in his approach, Root said they would like to build on the momentum after losing the second Test miserably against South Africa at Trent Bridge and later went on to win the series by 3-1.
“The way we played in the last game and the two previous games we’ve played some really strong cricket,” Root concluded.
Woakes, who is featuring for domestic side Warwickshire would be aiming to be the regular part of the longer version of the game, as he has played 17 Tests so far.
The right-arm fast bowler Woakes bagged 48 wickets in 32 Test innings at an average of 29.22. He has scored 591 runs in 28 innings at an average of 29.55 in Test format.