England ‘have great chance’ to win Ashes – Woakes

FORMER England bowler Chris Woakes says Ben Stokes’ side “have a hell of a chance” of winning the Ashes in Australia for the first time since 2010-11 this winter.

Woakes retired from international cricket last month after a shoulder injury sustained in his 62nd and final Test against India this summer ruled him out of the tour.

The 36-year-old was part of two Ashes tours in which England failed to win a Test but is confident of a better showing this winter.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Going to Australia is a different beast. I’m hoping the guys can go and do a good job and we’ve got a great chance this time.

“We have great depth and a great squad. The lads in the first XI, if they can stay fit and on the field we have a hell of a chance.

“Ashes cricket is played with more venom behind it but these players have played a lot of international cricket and enough to know what it’s about.

“We have been building nicely over the last few years but not quite got over the line in the big series, but it doesn’t get any bigger than this.

Mark Wood is sadly like glass . Out of the second test . It’s gonna to get to the stage where he might as well retire from red ball and improve his batting and be a gun player for any White Ball franchise globally . So sad such a great team player & character

Heartbreaking to hear of the passing of former England cricketer Robin Smith 😢

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time 🙏

Rest in peace, Judge 💔

Khawaja to retire from international cricket after SCG Ashes finale

In spite of being thrashed by the Aussies English commentators and players seem to think they gave the matches away rather than being obliterated by a better team. What absolutely crap...are they infected by the Trumpian reality virus?