IPL 2021: Chris Woakes willing to miss NZ Test series given DC makes it to the final

The glitz and glamour of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has now made international cricketers choose between playing for their country and playing in the IPL. While there are some cricketers for whom playing for the country is of paramount importance, there are a few who have chosen their IPL stints over their duties for the country.

And now, Chris Woakes is in a similar situation, where he has to choose between his IPL stint and national duty. And, it looks like Woakes has chosen the IPL over his country. The England side is slated to take on New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s on June 2nd, 2021, but the IPL will get over only on 30th May 2021. And now, Woakes has opened up on the IPL versus country debate.

Woakes stated that the England side wants all the players to broaden their horizons in the game by featuring in the IPL. Stating that he is ready to miss a Test match, the England all-rounder revealed that it puts the players in an awkward position. Woakes also weighed in on the upcoming summer for the England side, as a blockbuster series against India is lined up for Joe Root and his men.

“England wants us to broaden our horizons in the IPL and, at this stage of my career, these opportunities won’t keep coming up. If it means missing a Test, that unfortunately might be the case. The players are in an awkward position, though. This summer is big, especially with a Test series against India to follow,” said Woakes as quoted by The Guardian.

Of course, I want to play at Lord’s says Chris Woakes

However, Chris Woakes was quick to add that in case he is not picked in the playing XI for the Delhi Capitals (DC) side, he would fly to Lord’s. He concluded by stating that the Test series against the Black Caps was arranged late.

“If I’m not in the Delhi XI, I’ll speak to Ricky (DC head coach Ricky Ponting) and the powers-that-be. Of course, I want to play at Lord’s, my record there speaks for itself. But those Tests were arranged late,” concluded the 32-year-old. The 14th edition of the IPL will commence on 9th April 2021.