By IANS,
Hyderabad : All-rounder Chris Woakes, who played a key role in England’s 56-run win in the warmup match against Hyderabad XI, feels it is an honour to open the bowling for his country.
Woakes made a useful contribution of unbeaten 46 and later chipped in with two wickets off successive deliveries to virtually end the home side’s run chase late Saturday.
The 22-year-old from Warwickshire opened the bowling with Steve Finn.
Chasing 220 for victory, Hyderabad XI were comfortably placed at 99 for three in the 25th over when Woakes claimed two wickets off two balls.
“I think they were building a partnership at that time. So it was nice to get two wickets in two balls. We were showing a bit of nerves but we were confident that by bowling in the right area we can come on top,” he said.
Woakes, along with Ravi Bopara (73 off 82) saved England from a total collapse from 47-4. He was involved in 45-run partnership with Bopara and added another 42 with Graeme Swann.
He felt few special catches and good fielding by the home side put the England batsmen in trouble.
“There were also too many poor shots but we were not too much worried about that. Me and Ravi got a decent partnership and that is what we always try to do,” he said.
He also pointed out that it was difficult for England to adjust to the conditions early on and the pitch was also a bit two-faced.
Woakes, who played only two international matches last summer, has worked hard on his batting.
“I still got to do more as we always try and improve. I am going in the right direction and I showed that today.”
The all-rounder, who batted at number eight, said while it was good to bat higher the order, he was ready for any slot given by the team.
Woakes said that the new ICC rule of two new balls in an innings is good for the game. He, however, believes it would take some time to adapt to the new rule as the ball swings if it stays in the same shape longer.