MVP a true reflection – Woakes

Chris Woakes has told the PCA that contributing to an incredible summer has been pleasing as he claimed the England Overall Most Valuable Player award after the final Ashes Test on Sunday.

Woakes has been remarkably consistent across all formats for his national side this summer. Only Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow appeared in more fixtures than his 20, and no player to have played in more than one format averaged more MVP points-per-game than Woakes.

The leader of England’s bowling attack going into the ICC Cricket World Cup, Woakes enjoyed a stellar ODI series against Pakistan in the lead-up to the showpiece event. The 30-year-old swung the ball prodigiously at the top of the innings to finish the series as the leading wicket-taker with 10 at 21.2 apiece.

He particularly enjoyed a magnificent showing in the final match of that series, claiming figures of 5-54, including each of the Pakistan top three, and a huge 53.5 MVP points for the match.

Woakes continued to produce throughout the World Cup, blossoming in the final stages of the tournament. He took a combined 6-57 across the semi-final and final against Australia and New Zealand, helping to set the platform to two memorable England victories. Only nine players took more wickets in the tournament than Woakes’ 16. 

A memorable career best 6-17 then helped to skittle Ireland for just 38 at Lord’s before a solid Ashes campaign saw Woakes claim the prize wicket of Steve Smith on three occasions.

With so much fast bowling talent at England’s disposal, Woakes has done brilliantly to assert his authority with the ball for his country. It is the consistency of his performances that has made him the worthy winner of the 2019 England Overall MVP crown.

“It’s been a long summer but there’s been some incredible cricket played,” said Woakes.

“It was a hard four years working towards the World Cup…so lifting that trophy at Lord’s is something that will stay with me forever. It’s been a fantastic summer to be a part of.”

Although he has been named the Overall MVP for summer 2019, Woakes still believes there’s room for improvement, particularly with the red ball.

“I feel like I really contributed well with the white ball during the World Cup.

“I was pleased with my performances in the Ashes as well, even if I faded a little bit towards the end. But, on the whole, it’s been a good summer.

“The MVP system is a true reflection of how you’ve performed throughout the whole summer, so it’s really pleasing for me to have put in some good performances for the team and claimed the award.”

View the PCA’s England MVP Rankings here.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest MVP news by following the @pcaMVP on Twitter.