In a sensational display of bowling prowess, England’s all-rounder Chris Woakes proved to be the star of the show on Day 2 of the ongoing 4th Ashes Test at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Woakes’ magnificent performance led to Australia’s downfall as they were bowled out for 317 runs in the first innings.
Having already claimed four wickets on the opening day, Woakes continued his relentless assault on Day 2, achieving his maiden five-wicket haul in the Ashes. His impeccable line and length unsettled the Australian batsmen, leadi✨ng to a series of crucial breakthroughs.
Woakes began by dismissing the formidable David Warner, who seemed to be settling in with a promising 32 runs. Later, he returned to break another partnership by trapping Cameron Green in front of the wickets. Just four balls later, he struck again, finding the edge of Mitchell Marsh’s willow. The Woakes-Bairstow combination worked wonders once more, removing Alex Carey from the crease.
The talented seamer’s domination was not yet complete, as he went on to claim his fifth wicket, sending Josh Hazlewood back to the pavilion.
Throughout the innings, Woakes exhibited remarkable control, becoming the standout bowler for England 💟in the first innings. He completed his spell with outstanding figures of five wickets for just 62 runs in 22.2 overs, including four maiden overs.
This impressive performance marks Woakes’ maiden five-wicket haul in the Ashes and the fifth fifer of his Test cricket career. Interestingly, all five of his five-wicket hauls have come in home Tests, showcasing his mastery in familiar conditions.
In the meantime, fans on Twitter lauded Woakes for his brilliance with the ball and termed him as ‘an underrated cricketer.’
Here are the reactions:
Why was Woakes not part o𝔉f the first 2 🐟tests this series?! Massively underrated cricketer
— B33Gill (@B33Gill)
He is the most underrated test cricketer .
I will pick everytime woakes in the team keeping in view his batting abilities.
He is a wizard 🪄.
A gem of a cricketer 💎— SAJAD GULZAR LONE (@SajadGulzarlone)
If only he played at Lords, we'd be 2-1 up
— Sam Ratliffe (@sam_ratliffe)
Chris Woakes bowling average for England
Away – 52
Home – 22Guy's a joke in English conditions
— Ben Smith (@bendrfcsmith97)
Chris ꧒Woakes outstanding aga🐷in there. Been such a valuable addition to the side
— Patrick Boyland (@Paddy_Boyland)
You can’t help but love Chris Woakes
— Katie John (@kvaughanjohn)
Chris Woakes p🥂icks his first fifer at the Ashes 👊
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Five-wicket haul for Chris Woakes.
He 𝐆is a force in England conditions, always been in & out of the system but does a terrific job when he gets opportunities.
11 wickets from 3 innings in Ashes 2023.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
The most underrated Cricketer 😿
Chris Woakes 🤩❤️
— H A M Z A 🇵🇰 (@HamzaKhan259)
Chris Woakes in this Ashes 2023:
•73/3 & 68/3 – In last Test match.
•10(10) & 32*(47) in last Test match.
•62/5 in this Test match so far.What a return of Chris Woakes – Take a bow, Woakes!
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh)
