Woakes keeps himself grounded

_{Chris Woakes had a chat with ECBtv on the eve of England Lions' match with West Indies}

Burgeoning Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes hopes to draw on his experience playing for MCC when he runs in for England Lions against West Indies.

The Lions provide the tourists’ with a final warm-up match at Derby, starting tomorrow, ahead of next week's first npower Test at Lord’s.

And Woakes, the 20-year-old from Birmingham, revealed that his inclusion in the MCC side that took on LV= County Champions Durham in the traditional season curtain-raiser will help him click with Lions team-mates such as Ian Bell, Robert Key and Stephen Moore.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Woakes told ECBtv at the County Ground.

“I played with Ian Bell, Rob Key and a few others in the MCC match, which was an experience and a bit of a glimpse. It’s just great to be surrpunded by international players.

“It’s always a childhood dream to play for your country against an international team, so this is a step in the right direction.”

Chris Woakes runs in during bowling practice at Derby ahead of the four-day tour game against West Indies

Woakes is also a surprise pick in England’s 30-man preliminary squad for the World Twenty20, which takes place in England in June.

That selection prompted talk of great things by Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles and bowling coach Allan Donald.

“Yes, it’s been a bit of a shock 12 months,” said Woakes.

“When two coaches and legends of the game, who’ve been really good to me at Warwickshire, say that about me then there’s obviously a bit of pressure.

“But I don’t really think about it.To be playing for Warwickshire’s first-team at this point was above my expectations, so this is great.”