Chris Woakes says he started doubting his Test future

After knee surgery, the Warwickshire pace-bowling all-rounder missed more than a year of first-class cricket and hasn't participated in a Test since facing the West Indies in March 2022. However, the 34-year-old has been selected for England's team for their lone Test against Ireland at Lord's, which begins on Thursday. Woakes may play in the forthcoming home Ashes series if he performs well against Ireland at the "Home of Cricket." Woakes told reporters at Lord's on Tuesday, "Last summer was quite a tough summer for me personally, missing out on not just England cricket but all cricket." 

Since joining forces with captain Ben Stokes and McCullum last year, England has won 10 of its previous 12 Test matches. Woakes still hopes to play Australia this year, even though fellow pacemen James Anderson and Ollie Robinson were rested for the Ireland match in the hopes that they will be completely healthy for the Ashes' first match at Edgbaston next month.