Chris Woakes, often seen as the unsung hero of England’s cricketing lineup, embodies the essence of what makes a cricketer invaluable yet understated. His career, while not adorned with the flamboyance of some of his contemporaries, is a testament to consistency, skill, and an unwavering commitment to the team’s cause. Here’s why Chris Woakes might just be the most underrated Test cricketer of his generation:
Let’s have a look at 3 big reasons why Chris Woakes is the most underrated cricketer:
Chris Woakes Is A Swing Maestro at Home:
Woakes’s ability to swing the ball in English conditions is almost unparalleled. His figures at home are staggering, with an average that rivals even the greats like James Anderson and Stuart Broad, but without the same level of fanfare. This isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about the conditions under which Chris Woakes performs. England’s pitches, often green and seaming, are his playground. His mastery over the wobble seam, a delivery that can move both ways, makes him a nightmare for batsmen. Yet, his contributions are often overshadowed by the sheer volume of wickets taken by Anderson and Broad. Woakes’s effectiveness comes not just from the wickets he takes but how he sets up batsmen, his economy, and his knack for breaking partnerships at crucial junctures.
The Utility Player:
Woakes’s value isn’t confined to his bowling. His batting, often described as ‘useful’, has on numerous occasions been anything but. With an average in the mid-30s in England, he provides a significant lower-order boost, often coming in during critical phases of the game. His innings, like the unbeaten 84 against Pakistan, showcase not just his ability to score runs but to anchor an innings when the team needs it most. This dual role makes him a selector’s dream, yet he’s rarely spoken of in the same breath as all-rounders like Stokes, perhaps because his contributions are more subtle, less about individual heroics, and more about steady, reliable performance.
The Overseas Conundrum:
While Woakes’s overseas record might not match his home exploits, this aspect often overshadows his overall contribution. The narrative around his international career often focuses on this perceived weakness, but it’s worth considering the context. His selection for overseas tours has been sporadic, often due to England’s preference for other bowlers or his own injury concerns. When given the chance, like in Sri Lanka or during the 2019 World Cup, he’s shown he can adapt. His ability to bowl with the old ball, taking wickets when conditions are supposedly not in his favor, as noted in posts on X, indicates a skill set that’s more versatile than given credit for. His overseas record might be a point of criticism, but it’s also a reflection of England’s strategic choices rather than a true measure of his capability.
Chris Woakes’s career is a narrative of quiet excellence. His contributions might not always make headlines, but they’re the backbone of England’s Test victories. His ability to swing the ball, his utility with the bat, and even his less-discussed overseas performances paint a picture of a cricketer who, despite being in the shadow of giants, has carved out a legacy of his own. The cricketing world, especially on platforms like X, has begun to recognize this, yet the broader narrative still undervalues what Woakes brings to the table. His story is one of consistent, understated brilliance, making him arguably the most underrated Test cricketer of his era
