The ECB have not always warmed up to the league, given that the start of the County Championship coincides with the tournament. However, in the last few years, there has been a rise in the participation of England players in the tournament.

Woakes turned out for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017 and was picked up by the Virat Kohli-led Bangalore side for £810,000 during the IPL auctions in January. The 29-year-old medium pacer has, so far, returned a steady eight wickets in four outings this season.

Woakes has Moeen Ali for company in Bangalore, and clashed against Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes during Bangalore’s loss against Rajasthan Royals. On Saturday April 21, Woakes will likely bowl at Jason Roy with the new ball when Bangalore face Delhi Daredevils.

“It can be a bit strange sometimes, being in the opposition. You don’t want to be hurt by a teammate on the field. For instance, as a bowler you don’t want them to be smashing you around the park and hitting you into the stands. I suppose it gives you that extra incentive to try and do well, try and get them out or, if you are a batsman, to try and smash them everywhere. It’s always a good little battle when you come up against your teammates from England.”

It has been a tough winter for England, with Test series losses in Australia and New Zealand. Their ODI form has, however, been impressive: they won the five-match series against Australia 4-1 and then saw off New Zealand in a keenly fought series 3-2.

“The English winter was tough,” said Woakes. “Obviously, we played a lot of Test cricket away in Australia and New Zealand, which was hard work.

“I had a really good winter with the white ball, and coming here I felt in good rhythm. It’s been nice to pick up wickets, and would have been nice to go for a few less runs. But that’s the nature of the game. You are going to go for the odd boundary, particularly when you’re bowling in the Powerplay and death overs.”