Former England all-rounder Chris Woakes believes Ben Stokes’ men have “a hell of a chance” of reclaiming the Ashes in Australia this winter — ending more than a decade of frustration Down Under.
Woakes, who announced his retirement from international cricket last month, expressed optimism that England’s blend of experience, depth, and leadership under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum could finally deliver success on Australian soil for the first time since the 2010-11 triumph under Andrew Strauss.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Woakes said:
“Going to Australia is a different beast. I’m hoping the guys can go and do a good job, and we’ve got a great chance this time.
We have great depth and a great squad. The lads in the first XI, if they can stay fit and on the field, we have a hell of a chance.”
England’s Long Wait for Ashes Glory Down Under
England’s record in Australia over the past 12 years has been dismal. Since that 3-1 series win in 2010-11 — led by Strauss, with the likes of Alastair Cook, James Anderson, and Graeme Swann starring — England have endured three bruising tours, losing 5-0 in 2013-14, 4-0 in 2017-18, and 4-0 again in 2021-22.
However, under the aggressive “Bazball” approach introduced by captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, England have reinvented their Test cricket style — winning 14 of their last 20 Tests and playing with a freedom rarely seen in the longer format.
Woakes, who played 62 Tests and took 165 wickets, said the current squad has the mentality and skill to finally challenge the Australians on their own turf.
“Ashes cricket is played with more venom behind it,” Woakes explained. “But these players have played a lot of international cricket and enough to know what it’s about.
We have been building nicely over the last few years but not quite got over the line in the big series. It doesn’t get any bigger than this.
We are due a competitive performance down under and these guys have got that in the locker.”
Woakes’ Injury and Retirement
Woakes’ optimism comes despite his own absence from the squad. The 36-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket in September after sustaining a shoulder injury during his final Test against India this summer — an injury that ruled him out of the upcoming Ashes tour.
The Birmingham-born all-rounder had been one of England’s most consistent performers at home over the past decade, earning the 2023 Wisden Cricketer of the Year award following his standout performances in the dramatic 2023 Ashes series in England, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Despite his disappointment, Woakes believes he would have made the touring squad if not for the injury.
“From the moment I was injured, it would have been a real push to get fit for the Ashes and they needed to select the squad,” he said. “It was clear I wasn’t going to make it.
In my mind, I would have made the squad if I didn’t get injured. I have a lot to give and it’s always good to have guys who have done it in Australia and know what is expected.”
The Freak Injury and Road to Recovery
Woakes’ shoulder injury was one of the most talked-about moments of the 2024 home series against India. He famously came out to bat with his arm in a sling, showing the resilience and determination that defined his international career.
Since retiring from England duty, Woakes has focused on rehabilitation and hinted at a return to franchise cricket by the end of the year.
“Physically I feel great apart from a freak accident with the shoulder,” he said. “It’s repairing nicely and getting stronger. I’ve made big progress in the last few weeks and am hoping to play some franchise cricket in December.”
His potential comeback could see him appear in short-format leagues such as the ILT20, SA20, or Big Bash League, where his experience and bowling control remain in high demand.
England’s Key Players for the 2025 Ashes
Woakes also praised the depth in the current England squad, highlighting the mix of established stars and emerging talent that gives the side balance and adaptability.
The pace attack, likely led by Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, and Gus Atkinson, will be crucial on Australia’s fast, bouncy pitches. Veteran James Anderson is expected to play a supporting role, while Chris Woakes’ absence will open opportunities for all-rounders such as Sam Curran or Brydon Carse.
In batting, Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Harry Brook remain central to England’s hopes, while Stokes’ leadership — both tactically and emotionally — continues to define the team’s fearless style.
The return of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes adds stability behind the stumps, and England’s emphasis on attacking cricket could unsettle an Australian side facing pressure after losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to India earlier this year.
The Challenge Ahead
Winning an Ashes series in Australia remains one of cricket’s toughest feats. England’s last success came when Cook, Anderson, and Stuart Broad produced career-defining performances. Since then, the Gabba, the MCG, and Adelaide have all been venues of English heartbreak.
However, under Stokes’ leadership, England have embraced a bold, high-risk style that prioritises results over caution. Even in defeats, the team has played with attacking intent — declaring early, chasing improbable totals, and trusting players to play their natural game.
Woakes believes that approach gives England their best shot in years.
“These guys have the skill, the belief, and the right mentality,” he said. “They’ve shown they can beat anyone in the world. Australia will always be tough, but this team is fearless — and that’s what you need over there.”
Looking Ahead
As Woakes prepares for a new chapter in franchise cricket, his optimism for England’s future remains undimmed. He may no longer don the Three Lions, but his faith in Stokes’ men to reclaim the Ashes reflects the confidence sweeping through English cricket.
“I’ll be watching every ball,” he said. “It’s the Ashes — it’s what every cricketer dreams of. Hopefully, the lads can do what we’ve been waiting for since 2011.”
Whether England can turn that belief into history remains to be seen. But as the countdown to another Ashes showdown begins, Chris Woakes’ words echo the sentiment of fans everywhere — that this time, perhaps, England truly do have “a hell of a chance.”
