Wellington winter awaits Woakes

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Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes will further his development by representing Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand this winter.

Woakes, who boasts nine limited-overs caps for England, is set to feature in three first-class matches in the Plunket Shield and eight HRV Cup t20 fixtures. The 23-year-old will also be available for the t20 play-offs should the Firebirds qualify.

“Joining Wellington as the club’s overseas player is a great opportunity for me,” said Woakes, who will link up with Warwickshire team-mate Jeetan Patel when he heads to the Antipodes in November.

“I’m really looking forward to joining up with Jeets and the rest of the Firebirds squad. With James Franklin and Jesse Ryder also in the team I’m sure it’s one that can challenge for honours.

Chris Woakes is eagerly anticipating his stint in New Zealand with the Wellington Firebirds. "It's a great opportunity for me," he said

“With England starting a full tour of New Zealand in February next year, it's also a really good chance for me to make a big impression and hopefully the selectors will be following my progress and seeing what I can do in these conditions.”

Woakes is high on confidence following another fine season at Edgbaston, which saw him average 72 with the bat and 25 with the ball as Warwickshire secured the LV= County Championship title.

Wellington chief executive Peter Clinton said: “We identified Chris quite some time ago as the sort of player we were after; a fast bowling all-rounder and a boundary hitter in the T20 mould.

“He's an exciting young player and he has coped with the pressure of international cricket.”

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