'It is a shame..' - Chris Woakes comments on absense of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for England series

Chris Woakes returned to competitive cricket in fine style in the second four-day match between England Lions and India A in Northampton. Out of action since January 2025 after suffering an ankle injury, experienced English all-rounder Woakes revealed his class with the new ball. On June 6, Woakes sent Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Karun Nair—all LBW—indicating a successful outing with the red ball mere weeks before the high-profile Test series against India.

The 36-year-old has been included in England's 14-man squad for the first Test of the five-match series starting June 20. Speaking about the absence of seniors Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—who left Test cricket after IPL 2025—Woakes said he felt disappointed but asserted that India would remain a strong side. Woakes appreciated the depth of Indian cricket and admitted that their replacements would deliver solid performances.

Woakes also praised his admiration for KL Rahul, who smashed a fluent 116 from 168 balls on a tough, green pitch. The experienced all-rounder praised Rahul's technique and temperament on a pitch that had movement throughout the day. India A had reached a total of 348 in their first innings by Day 2, leaving England Lions on the back foot.

India A in Command, Woakes Shines in Comeback

In the face of seam-friendly conditions, Rahul's innings was notable for its simplicity and ease. Wookes conceded that the ball was doing something different on various occasions throughout the day, but Rahul was not bothered, scoring freely during the quiet moments and taking advantage of the loose balls. It was a crucial inning that paved the way for India A's high first-innings score.

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In retaliation, the England Lions commenced poorly, losing opening batsman Ben McKinney before Lunch on Day 2. The visitors obtained the breakthrough through Anshul Kamboj, having India A gain the initial thrust. With England Lions still behind by 290 runs, the visitors are well placed going into the remaining days of the match.