Chris Woakes Returns to Cricket After Injury Layoff

England’s Chris Woakes is poised to make a comeback to the cricket field after recovering from an ankle injury. He has been named in the England Lions squad for a pair of four-day matches against India A.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming Woakes’ first match since January 2025.

The seasoned pace bowler’s participation will enable him to assess his physical condition and is also an important move towards potentially rejoining the senior Test team for England’s upcoming five-Test series against India, which begins on June 20.

The Lions are scheduled to play India A in two matches from May 30 to June 6, with the games taking place in Canterbury and Northampton.

Woakes, aged 36, was a key player for England during the 2023 Ashes, where he took 19 wickets and received the Compton-Miller Medal.

The 15-member Lions squad includes a number of promising players. James Rew, a wicketkeeper-batter from Somerset, will captain the side. Rew was recently part of England’s Test squad for the match against Zimbabwe.

One notable inclusion is Rocky Flintoff, the son of former all-rounder and current Lions coach Andrew Flintoff.

He is joined by spinner Farhan Ahmed, who will play alongside his brother Rehan Ahmed for the first time at this level, though Rehan will only participate in the first match.

Jofra Archer is absent from the squad, as he recovers from a thumb injury sustained during the IPL. While it was anticipated that Archer would play in the second match, he will now miss the series.

England Lions Squad:
  • James Rew (captain)
  • Farhan Ahmed
  • Rehan Ahmed
  • Sonny Baker
  • Jordan Cox
  • Rocky Flintoff
  • Emilio Gay
  • Tom Haines
  • George Hill
  • Josh Hull
  • Eddie Jack
  • Ben McKinney
  • Dan Mousley
  • Ajeet Singh Dale
  • Chris Woakes