‘He is Mr. Consent’: Ben Stokes hails Chris Woakes after Headingley win
England skipper Ben Stokes has called Chris Woakes, ‘Mr Consent’ after his exploits in the third Ashes Test at Headingley in Leeds. Playing his first Test match since March last year, Woakes picked up six wickets in the game with the ball and scored a crucial 32-run cameo in the second innings to see off England’s win three wickets to keep the series alive at 2-1.
“I didn’t realise that Woakes hasn’t played a Test for so long, he is Mr. Consent. Having someone who can bat like him batting at 8 helps us. Hope he can do something similar when he plays next,” the England skipper said after the game.
Speaking about player of the match Mark Wood, who made a comeback into the Test side, Stokes said, “Having someone who can bowl at 95 mph is amazing. With the bat, he is just a free spirit. Goes back to the clarity. 24 off 8 balls was a massive swing in the game. Doesn’t always come off, but gives you a better chance to succeed.”
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England made three changes to their lineup from the one that started at Lord’s bringing in Woakes, Wood and Moeen Ali. “We had Woody and Woakesy back in and they did well. We picked teams and look how they can impact us in the game. We try to see how they can be influential in the game,” Stokes said.
With Ollie Pope’s injury, Stokes and Co sent in Harry Brook at number 3 in the first innings – which backfired. In the second innings, they took a gamble and sent Moeen at three. “I think about Mo, he always wants to impact the game. He went to Baz yesterday and said he wanted to go in at 3 and have a crack at them,” Stokes said.
Speaking about the overall game, the England skipper said, “Another one down to the wire game. Nice to get over the line and keep our hopes alive. Won the toss, we could have batted and bowled. Looked like a good wicket. Saw the way Mitch Marsh batted. Came in and took the game on. The outfield was on the quick side.”
“Me and Baz just go with the flow. Great for both teams. The next game is very vital. Everyone wants to see good cricket. This nine-day break will help the bodies in a world of good. We love to come here and play cricket for England,” he added.