LONDON: Chris Woakes is eager to make-up for lost time following a ‘frustrating’ absence of more than nine months from England duty.

The all-rounder was in the wickets and among the runs during the 2020 season, being named England’s most valuable player of the year. But the 32-year-old has since found himself on the sidelines of the international game.

Woakes’ cause was not helped when a One-day International series in South Africa was abandoned in December following a coronavirus (Covid-19) scare. And he then had to miss the two-Test series in Sri Lanka earlier this year after being deemed a close contact of England team-mate Moeen Ali after the pair shared a taxi ride before his fellow all-rounder tested positive for Covid-19.

Woakes, however, hopes a 280-day absence from England duty will end with selection for Wednesday’s opening Twenty20 against Sri Lanka in Cardiff.

“I think the best way of putting it is to say it’s been a frustrating winter for me,” Woakes said Sunday. “Not playing a single game all winter, after the summer I had, almost felt like a bit of a waste for me. I am certainly not just here to make up the numbers — if I get a go I will be trying to stake a claim [in England’s World T20 side].” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2021