Leeds (UK): Bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes has said England’s players faced a nervous wait as the countdown to the announcement of the World Cup squad entered its final phase. Tournament hosts England unveil their team for the one-day international showpiece, Tuesday.
England are yet to win the 50-over men’s World Cup but they head into this year’s edition as the No.1 ranked side in ODI cricket.
Pace-bowling all-rounder Woakes settled what little doubt there was around his place with a five-wicket haul Sunday as England beat Pakistan by 54 runs at Headingley to complete a 4-0 series win.
But David Willey, despite the variety he offers as a left-arm quick, has seen his place threatened by the emergence of newly-qualified Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer. And back-up spinner and reserve batsman Joe Denly, could also be cut from the 17-man squad deployed against Pakistan when it come to England’s final 15.
“Everyone will be looking at their phones,” said Woakes late Sunday evening. “Everyone will be wary of that phone call. Even if you feel like you’ve got a good chance to being in the squad, until you hear it from selectors’ mouths, it’s not quite set in stone.
“As a player you’re still probably a little bit on edge, particularly with these 16 and 17 players because everyone has performed at some point over the series. It’s a tricky decision for selectors and I’m glad I’m not making that decision, but it has to be done I suppose. The aim to be in the World Cup squad has certainly driven us forward in this series,” added Woakes.
Meanwhile, England ODI captain Eoin Morgan insisted he was yet to be told who was in the World Cup squad by selection chief Ed Smith. “No, I don’t know the 15,” said Morgan. “But everyone in this squad is an incredible player and they deserve to be in the World Cup squad. It certainly makes selection extremely difficult.”
AFP