SEAMS TOUGH

Woakes faces pitch battle as Atkinson waits in wings

- DEAN WILSON

CHRIS WOAKES is banking on his experience to help England become the first non-Asian side to win a World Cup in the subcontinent for 36 years.

The last time was in 1987 when Australia unexpectedly triumphed, which illustrates the size of the challenge facing the holders.

And while Dawid Malan, Joe Root and Reece Topley have all settled into a comfort able early rhythm, others have yet to hit their straps – and that includes double World Cup winner Woakes.

“Ideally I’d like to have gone a bit better,” said the seam bowler.