Chris Woakes aims to play alongside Ben Stokes in upcoming Pakistan series

27-year old England all-rounder Chris Woakes has stated that one of his big aims is for the England selectors to squeeze Ben Stokes and him together in the playing XI. With many tournaments and bilateral series looming over the horizon, for more immediate matters, Chris Woakes has been picked alongside mirror-image Ben Stokes for the upcoming series against Pakistan.

With both of them not guaranteed a place in the starting XI, Woakes has urged the England selectors to find a place for him and Stokes in the playing XI.

“I’d be stupid to think that, if Ben (Stokes) is fit, I’m going to play (over him), but I might have given them (the selectors) a headache. I might be able to fit into the team even if he is involved again,” Woakes told British media.

Meanwhile, Stuart Broad has expressed his desire to play in the 2019 edition of the World Cup. In spite of a decent showing in the Test Series, Broad has been omitted from the side for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. The 2019 edition of the World Cup will be played in England and the 29-year old all-rounder will certainly be hoping that he makes the cut.

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“A big aim of mine is to be in that World Cup squad in 2019. The two major tournaments coming up are that and the Champions Trophy and I’ve got to plot a way back in really,” said Broad, who is England’s third highest wicket-taker in one-day cricket.

“I’m still only 29… A lot of people have played at World Cups at 32 and that’s certainly not an old age for a cricketer, so I’ve got huge goals to be a part of that and have to pick some stuff to get involved in.”

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