Woakes shines again with stellar six

England allrounder Chris Woakes has shown he has the potential to fill the sizable shoes of missing star Ben Stokes, taking 6-54 in his team's last warm-up game ahead of the Magellan Ashes.

The right-armer lead the way on day one against an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI in Townsville, leaving them 9-249 at the close of play.

It marked the second time in a week Woakes has made light work of the young side, after he also took 4-17 last week in Adelaide as the CA XI were rolled for 75.

On Wednesday, the English paceman took 4-8 in 22 balls during his second spell then returned to begin cleaning up the tail alongside Stuart Broad (1-33).

Test hopeful Craig Overton (2-32) also edged closer to his debut. Seemingly next in line if Jake Ball fails to recover from an ankle injury by next Thursday, the medium-pacer claimed two wickets.

Stokes' availability this summer is still uncertain, as a police investigation remains ongoing into an alleged street brawl in September.

"With Ben being away all of us have got to step up," Woakes said.

"Hopefully I can do that, hopefully I can score runs and take wickets. That's my plan. I'll be trying my best to do that."

The 28-year-old Woakes has played just one Test this year due to injury and non-selection, but averages 32.14 with the bat in Tests compared to Stokes' 35.72 and 30 with the ball.

He claimed the scalps of CA XI openers Jake Carder (39) and Nick Larkin (30) in the first two overs of his second spell of Wednesday, after the pair had put on a 66-run opening stand.

Ryan Gibson (7) and Jason Sangha (0) also fell in quick succession to the English quick after the lunch break, the latter to a ball that swung back some way and trapped him lbw.

He then had Harry Neilsen (20) caught at gully after tea before he clean bowled Simon Milenko (19) with the first delivery with the second new ball.

"I felt like today it came out pretty nicely, which was good for me," Woakes said. "I was pleased with how it came out, my rhythm was good.

"I feel like I'm building well heading into that Test series."

Offspinner Moeen Ali (0-39) also got through unscathed on return from a side strain, but the day's main concern came when wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow left the field with an injured finger.

Bairstow received attention from England's medical staff after copping a delivery on the bounce from Woakes, but returned an hour later with team officials insisting the problem was only a bruised middle finger on his left hand.

Meanwhile CA XI captain Matthew Short provided a resistance of 51, while Daniel Fallins is 29 not out after going after legspinner Mason Crane (0-87) late.

Cricket Network will live stream England's tour match in Townsville on cricket.com.au and the CA Live app

 

Click above to learn more about Townsville or watch the great video below!

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

Gillette T20 INTL Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21