Speaking to Wisden Cricket Monthly, Chris Woakes has admitted that thinking of playing in England’s next Test assignments in India and Australia, despite his 2023 Ashes heroics, would be “stupid” due to his lack of success overseas.

Woakes ended as the Player of the Series during this year’s Ashes for picking up 19 wickets at an average of 18.15 in the three games that he played. After England were trailing 0-2, they needed an inspired showing to turn things around, and Woakes’ inclusion provided the impetus, with the home team winning two of the last three games. He also played some crucial hands with the bat to underline his all-round credentials.

Woakes picked up at least three wickets in five of his six innings with the ball and was named as the Player of the Match at the Kia Oval for a seven-wicket haul.

However, Woakes accepts that while he has been dominant in English conditions, he has struggled overseas.

Talking about his future as a Test cricketer and touring India, Woakes told Wisden Cricket Monthly, “Naturally when you get towards the back-end of your career, you do think about what it looks like for the remaining years of it. I’ve just had an amazing three Test matches in the Ashes but I’d be stupid to think about going to India and what that might throw up.

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“I’ve been to India many times before. It hasn’t worked. I’ve tried many different things and I feel like for England to win in India, I’m probably not the answer, and that’s just me being honest.”

Woakes played three Tests in India in 2016, picking up three wickets at an average of 81.33. His Test numbers in general diverge dramatically home and away, with a bowling average of 21.88 in England and 51.88 outside of England. In Australia, he averages 51.68, and he was similarly blunt about the likelihood of him playing in the 2025/26 Ashes.

“I don’t think realistically that’s an option, and I’m happy to admit that,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to go to Australia and be a part of a winning Ashes series. But I’m just being honest. I’m just not at peace with the Kookaburra ball, mate! It just does not suit me! I’ve tried all sorts over the years and it hasn’t really happened.”

However, he clarified that it was not the end of his Test career and he would be available for selection in the 2024 home summer in conditions where he has excelled. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d still love to play Test cricket in England. That’s where I’m dominant. That’s where I can perform really well. I’ve still got a lot to give for the team in those conditions, as this summer showed.”

Woakes was speaking to Phil Walker for the latest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly. Buy a copy here.