IND vs ENG: Chris Woakes Leaves Bio-Secure Bubble to Return to England
Chris Woakes did not take any part in the first three Tests of the series.
England all-rounder Chris Woakes has left for England for his scheduled break and hence he will not be available for selection in the fourth and final Test of the series against India. As per reports of ESPNCricnfo, Woakes left the bio-secure bubble on Thursday to leave for his home.
Woakes has remained with the England team on the road throughout the side’s tours to South Africa, Sri Lanka and India. However, the all-rounder did not appears in the playing XI in any of the tour.
Meanwhile, English team-management remains committed to providing rest periods for their multi-format players on an ongoing basis. Earlier the likes of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Jonny Bairstow, James Anderson and Jos Buttler were rested and now Woakes is the new addition to this list.
After the conclusion of the ongoing series, England Test captain Joe Root will also be rested. Root is not named in England’s T20I squad and is unlikely to be a part of the ODI squad for the series against India.
This is all a part of England’s ongoing rotation policy, keeping in mind the players’ mental and physical health while playing in the bio-secure bubbles across multiple countries.
Earlier, the pink-ball Test in Ahmedabad ended within two days, becoming the shortest Test since World War II, as India secured a historic 10-wicket win. England’s chances for a qualification in the final of the World Test Championship ended with the defeat in the game.
India now need a win or a draw in the final Test — also at the same venue — to secure a place in the titular clash against New Zealand at Lord’s.