Chris Woakes confident for Bangladesh one-day series after 50-over warm-up success
England all-rounder Chris Woakes declared his side ready for action after they secured a four-wicket victory in their sole warm-up clash against a Bangladesh Cricket Board Select XI in the stifling heat of Fatullah.
Stand-in captain Jos Buttler struck an unbeaten 80 and Moeen Ali 70, sharing a stand of 139, as England recovered from a potentially perilous position of 170-5 to chase down their victory target of 310 with 23 balls to spare.
Thoughts now turn to Friday’s opening clash of the three-match contest against Bangladesh in Dhaka as England bid to win their third successive one-day series. Woakes believes a full stint in the field will prove invaluable.
“We came through it and we’ll be better for the fact that we have been out here, and spent a full 50 overs in the dirt,” said Woakes, who claimed 3-52 as the BCB XI posted 309-9 from their 50 overs.
“It was a great performance. To win out there against any team in these conditions is a good performance. To chase down 300 on any pitch is a great effort.”
Opener Imrul Kayes, one of seven BCB XI players with international experience, struck an impressive 121 from 91 balls as Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim posted 51.
Hampshire’s James Vince was promoted to opener in the absence of Alex Hales, who along with skipper Eoin Morgan opted not to travel to Bangladesh amid security concerns, and scored 48 as he and Jason Roy added 72 for the first wicket.
Uncapped Ben Duckett and Durham’s Ben Stokes made starts with 29 and 28 respectively but failed to convert into something substantial, so it was left to Buttler and Moeen to guide England home in ultimately convincing fashion.