English all-rounder Chris Woakes has confirmed that he’s ready to miss the New Zealand Test at Lords if Delhi Capitals qualifies for the IPL 2021 finals this year. The IPL 2021 final will take place on May 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad while the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s begins on June 2.
With the bio bubbles regulations coming into play, Chris Woakes won’t be able to fly back to England in a couple of days to play the first Test at Lord’s since he’d have to complete the mandatory quarantine period as set by England while returning from a foreign country.
The all-rounder who has been a part of the England squad for Tests and T20s failed to play a single game during India’s tour followed by which he was sent back owing to the rotation policy the England & Wales Cricket Board has put into place.
Also Read: IPL 2021: 10 New Rules Introduced By BCCI In Season 14
‘If I’m not in the Delhi XI, I’ll speak to Ricky’ – Chris Woakes
While speaking to The Guardian, Chris Woakes said he’ll be playing the first Test at Lord’s only if he’s not a part of the playing XI for the finals if Delhi Capitals qualify. Woakes said he’ll be talking to Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting regarding the situation and will be taking a call.
“If I’m not in the Delhi XI, I’ll speak to Ricky (DC head coach Ricky Ponting) and the powers-that-be. Of course, I want to play at Lord’s, my record there (27 wickets at 11 runs apiece, and a career-best 137 with the bat) speaks for itself. But those Tests were arranged late,” Chris Woakes told The Guardian.
Chris Woakes also stressed how their cricketing board wants the English players to feature in the cash-rich league since the opportunity to feature in such high octane matches don’t come down that easily.
“England wants us to broaden our horizons in the IPL and, at this stage of my career, these opportunities won’t keep coming up. If it means missing a Test, that unfortunately might be the case. The players are in an awkward position, though. This summer is big, especially with a Test series against India to follow,” said Chris Woakes.
Also Read: Delhi Capitals Owner Reveals Will Shreyas Iyer Miss The Entire IPL 2021 Season
