“They at all times say when you do not discover a keeper he is accomplished an excellent job and Ollie definitely did that,” stated Woakes. “He was sensible final week, moving into a job he hasn’t accomplished quite a lot of.
“For him to attain runs simply reveals his character, placing his hand up for the crew with none fuss and cracking on.”
Within the New Zealand capital, England return to the Basin Reserve, scene of their all-time basic one-run defeat by the Black Caps in February 2023. Stokes’ facet turned solely the fourth in Take a look at historical past to lose after implementing the follow-on.
On Wednesday, two days out from the start of the second Take a look at, the Wellington pitch seemed inexperienced, however is predicted to play true.
“It’s inexperienced, however I am unsure if it is as inexperienced as what final week was,” Woakes advised BBC Sport. “There are a few brown bits, so has the potential to dry out additional into the week.”
Woakes additionally backed England opener Zak Crawley, whose scores of nought and one within the first Take a look at, imply his common towards New Zealand has dropped beneath 10 throughout 17 innings.
“A variety of the time these stats that come out are pure coincidence,” stated Woakes. “New Zealand have some superb opening bowlers. He faces the brand new ball when they’re their freshest and greatest, so he is in all probability obtained some good balls in there.
“We have seen the standard Zak has. Opening the batting is such a tough job. You’ll have events the place you get low scores. When he will get in, he is one of many worst batters to be bowling at in worldwide cricket. I am certain that report will change.”
