Chris Woakes highlights ‘definite bonus’ for England ahead of first Ashes Test in Australia

Join the Miguel Delaney team: Inside Football Get exclusive insights and behind-the scenes access to the Miguel Delaney: inside newsletter Football NewsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney inside Football newsletterEngland’s Ashes prospects have received an unexpected psychological lift, according to recently retired all-rounder Chris Woakes, who believes Australia has gifted a crucial advantage by opting to host this month’s series opener in Perth rather than their formidable Gabba stronghold.Brisbane’s notorious cricketing cauldron has historically served as the curtain-raiser for the fierce rivalry since 1986, a venue where the hosts boast an impressive record of seven wins and two draws from ten subsequent Tests. England has traumatic memories of the venue, with heavy defeats in their last three visits. However, the organisers decided to change the order and have the first Test take place at Optus Stadium on November 21, a relatively modern building that is devoid Ashes tradition. The Gabba is instead hosting a second day/night Test. Woakes who has suffered Brisbane defeats both in 2017-18 as well as 2021-22 believes this move could play into English’s hands.”Australia have a great Ashes record at the Gabba, if I was them I’d want to be playing there first up,” he told the PA news agency. open image in galleryThe Gabba has traditionally hosted the first Ashes Test, but that will not be the case this time around (Jason O’Brien/PA) (PA Archive)”Perth is quite extreme in terms of the bounce and pace you can get so it’s not an easy place to start but it’s certainly surprising that they’ve given up that ‘Gabbatoir’ factor. As an England player, knowing you won’t be going there first where there’s a bit of a baggage, is a definite bonus.” He acknowledged the limited impact, adding: “You’re always looking for those small one per centers and let’s face it, this is just a one per center. The most important thing is to still go out there and perform against an extremely good team under challenging conditions. “It’s a small advantage but you take anything you can in an away Ashes where you’re up against it. It’s going to be a tough tour and you take every little advantage you can.Woakes was the winner of the Compton Miller Medal as player of the series for the final Ashes match in 2023. In what turned out to be his final Test against India, Woakes’ hopes of one last battle for the Ashes were dashed due to a dislocated left shoulder. Woakes, 36, announced his retirement after the departures of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Gus Atkinson. While England will be without the experience of the three, Woakes is confident that the new-look speed attack featuring Mark Wood, Jofra, Brydon, Carse and Josh Tongue along with Matthew Potts and Gus Atkinson are well-equipped to take on the challenge. open image in galleryChris Woakes retired from international cricket after dislocating his shoulder, but has backed England’s bowling attack to deliver in Australia (Getty Images)”They definitely have the tools to perform well in Australia, they’re well equipped for conditions,” he stated. “We’ve been building a batch to come here for a few years now and it’s coming to fruition. We may get a little obsessed over who’s leading the attack, but this winter it could be shared. We’ll need different guys to stand up at different times.”England are set to commence a three-day warm-up fixture against the second-string England Lions at Perth’s Lilac Hill ground on Thursday.
2025-11-10 10:07:35