Ben Stokes backs Chris Woakes to fill James Anderson's shoes

England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, has expressed his confidence that Chris Woakes can fill the gap left by James Anderson, who recently retired from Test cricket.

Anderson ended his red-ball career after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, finishing with an impressive 704 wickets, the most by any fast bowler in Test cricket history and the third most overall.

Stuart Broad also retired from Test cricket during the Ashes 2023 series. With the departure of both Anderson and Broad, who together claimed 1,308 wickets, England faces a new era in their bowling lineup.

The upcoming second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, starting on July 18, will be a historic moment. It will be the first time since 2012 that England will play a home Test without either Anderson or Broad. Chris Woakes is expected to lead the bowling attack in what will be his 50th Test match.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Stokes said,"I see it as an opportunity for someone like Woakesy to take on more of a leadership role in the bowling unit. We've been so used to Jimmy and Broady doing that, so it's a great opportunity for him. He's a very experienced player and a phenomenal performer, particularly in England."

Stokes praised Woakes' experience and performance, adding, "It's great for him to be able to lead the attack and 50 caps is a huge honour."

In addition to Woakes, Stokes is also relying on Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood to bolster the bowling attack. Atkinson made a remarkable debut, taking 12 wickets, and Wood is known for his incredible speed.

"It's very exciting, the prospect of seeing Gus Atkinson bowl at one end and Mark Wood at the other. Look at the way Gus bowled last week, it's not only the 12 wickets, it's finding another bowler who can bowl between 87-90mph," Stokes said.

Stokes also highlighted Wood's impact last summer during the Ashes, where he took 14 wickets in three matches. 

"Woody is someone who had an unbelievable summer last year in the Ashes. He was a massive player for us with a huge impact and everyone knows why - because of his pace," he concluded.