Chris can fill Broad shoes

ASHES HERO READY FOR A 'SENIOR' ROLE

- Gideon Brooks

CHRIS WOAKES says he is ready to step into the shoes vacated by the retiring Stuart Broad - and help bring through the next generation of talent.

The genial Brummie, 34, had grown used to operating in the shadows, as Broad and Jimmy Anderson, below, were busy becoming England's greatest ever strike-bowling partnership.

But Woakes has been thrust onto centre stage with his standout Ashes performance and Broad's retirement after the last Test.

"I feel very lucky to have played with Stuart and Jimmy," Woakes said. "The stuff I've learnt from them has had a huge impact on how I've bowled over the years. It's extended my international career, if anything.

"We can't know what might have been if they hadn't been around but I can only have good things to say in terms of the knowledge that they've passed on. It's been an honour."