5 underrated bowlers in cricket at the moment

#2 Chris Woakes

Woakes has 40 wickets in 11 Tests

It is difficult to be at your best when you are on and off the game, when your presence in the team depends on how injury-free or injury-prone other teammates of yours are. Such has been the story of England’s talented fast-bowler – Chris Woakes. Woakes, who was impressive during England’s wretched tour of India in recent times, has 47 wickets in 16 Tests at 27.91 with 2 five-wicket hauls in the last three years.

Woakes’ place is always under contention given Stuart Broad and James Anderson average 25.29 and 22.48, respectively, for their 130 and 124 wickets during the same time. However, their place in the team isn’t as uncertain as Woakes. In the last 12 months, the Warwickshire bowler has been England’s highest wicket-taker with 40 wickets in 11 Tests at 22.45. Woakes is also the fourth highest wicket-taker in the last three years in ODIs, with 63 wickets at 33.73 in 45 games with an economy of 5.73.

England’s second best is Adil Rashid, way behind with 48 wickets in 33 games. Woakes is garnering greater attention in recent times, having picked up 22 wickets in 15 ODIs in the last 12 months but the man clearly deserves a better deal and more opportunities; his performances on the flat tracks of India being a testimony of his talent!