Woakes equals 66-year-old English record

The second match on the third day of India vs England battle saw Chris Woakes standing under the spotlight after an impressive bowling and batting performance.

Staying unbeaten at 120 from 159 balls. The day was called off due to poor light but Woakes’s performance still shined.

India was able to knock out four batsmen in the morning and another after lunch but was stopped dead in their tracks by the partnership of Woakes and Bairtow.

The pair were able to take England’s score from 131 to 357 for 6 wickets. The pair added an impressive 189 runs in which Woakes was able to get a century while Bairstow fell after 93 runs. This was a huge turn for the hosts as they were in trouble waters with just 131/5 after lunch.

The spotlight fell on Woakes when India was out at 107 runs. Woakes singlehandedly was able to outscore the entire Indian team with 120 runs. This incredible performance of Woakes made him stand shoulder to shoulder with the 66-year-old record which was held by Godfrey Evans.

Woakes is the second player after Evans who batted at number 7 or below and was able to outscore India’s total. In 1952, Manchester, Evans scored 71 while playing against India who was only able to score 58.

“It’s hard to put into words, I suppose. I didn’t have that on my radar at the start of the day – I was hoping the boys would bat long and I would get in towards the backend of the day. It’s an incredible feeling to raise your bat at Lord’s and be on that Honours Board.” Woakes said in an interview with Sky Sports post-match. I went from 60 to 80 pretty quickly and all of a sudden started thinking about it – my beans were going and I tried to hit every ball. The nineties were a bit of a blur but I am so pleased to get there.” He added.