James Anderson's retirement is an opportunity for Chris Woakes to take up leadership role: Ben Stokes

Ahead of the second Test against West Indies in Trent Bridge, Chris Woakes stated how he would like to follow in the footsteps of James Anderson and Stuart Broad and get better in red-ball cricket with age. Captain Ben Stokes expects the same from the all-rounder, who has a terrific record in English conditions but averages 51.88 overseas. Woakes wants to work on that and improve, while Stokes made it clear that he will be getting opportunities to take up the leadership role in the bowling unit.

Stokes added that the 35-year-old has experience which will come in handy in the future. He expects Woakes to take responsibility as he has been a ‘phenomenal performer’ for England in Test cricket.

Also Read - I’ve looked at Stuart and Jimmy evolve as they’ve got older and I still hope that I can do the same: Chris Woakes

“I see it (James Anderson's retirement) as an opportunity for someone like Chris Woakes to take up the leadership role in the bowling unit. Woaksy is a very experienced bowler and player. We have been so used to Jimmy and Broady doing that. But we don't have them now. I see that as an opportunity for Woaksy. (Woakes has been) A phenomenal performer, especially in England, and great for him now to lead the attack,” Woakes was quoted as saying by India Today.

The lads are really desperate to pick Anderson’s brains: Stokes

Even though Anderson retired from international cricket after the first Test in Lord’s, the pacer decided to stick with the team as a bowling consultant. Stokes believes that it will help the youngsters pick Anderson’s brains which will better their game.

Also Read - Ben Stokes calls for pace revolution post Stuart Broad and James Anderson's era

“The last few days have been really good. You can see that the lads are really desperate to pick his brains. Obviously, before that it was a bit different. Jimmy has always been preparing for his games, so it's about letting him do his stuff and pick his brains as much as you can, that felt appropriate. But now obviously he's just standing there and you can see lads drawn towards him wanting to pick his brains about what he thinks, how he holds certain deliveries,” Stokes said.