ENG vs WI: Chris Woakes warns England against complacency in Nottingham Test

Chris Woakes said England cannot afford to take a back seat and relax in the second Test against the West Indies. At Trent Bridge in Nottingham, the home side have a lead of 207 runs with seven wickets remaining in the second innings. Joe Root and Harry Brook’s unbeaten 108-run stand put the Three Lions in a healthy position after England conceded a 41-run first-innings lead.

ENG vs WI Highlights of Day 3

Woakes said West Indies have the potential to change the match. Woakes said if Root and Brook continue and build a big partnership, England would be in a commanding position. But Woakes is also aware that the visitors fancy their chances and are making inroads into the English batting line-up early on Day 4.

Also Read: ENG vs WI: Root, Brook guide England to 207-run lead on Day 3

“We have to start again”

“I never like to say we’re ahead in a Test because half an hour can go against us and we’re behind the game again. The fourth morning will be huge. If the partnership is extended to 150 or 200 then we will remove the game. If the West Indies take quick wickets, they will feel ahead again,” Woakes said in the post-day press conference.

“We have to start again on Sunday to take the game from the West Indies. Of course we want as many runs as possible and there are still two days to play,” said Woakes.

Woakes mentioned that England would like to have a crack at West Indies batting on Day 5 when the pitch shows signs of indifferent bounce.

“We want to play them as much as possible on day five when the pitch might get a little worn. Sunday is a big day for us to build the lead up to 250 and 300 and then hopefully we can make it really big,” Woakes added.

England hold the record for the highest successful chase in Nottingham, chasing 299 against New Zealand in 2022. West Indies hold the record by a visiting team which they did in 1980, chasing 208.