Chris Woakes rues misfortune as opportunity to replace Ben Stokes appears to pass

NICK HOWSON: The England seamer is all-but-certain to miss the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle due to having spent seven days of the build-up in isolation

^{(Image credit: ECB)}

England are likely to be without Chris Woakes for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle due to the seamer having spent seven days of the build-up in isolation.

The 31-year-old was identified as a close contact after Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced to quarantine and undergo extra testing.

Woakes first emerged from his hotel room over the weekend but only bowled for the first time on Monday (January 11), three days ahead of the opening match of the series.

"I'm up against it in terms of time," the Warwickshire man confirmed. "I only had my first bowl yesterday (Monday). The other guys have been bowling pretty much for nearly a week. 

"That's frustrating from my side of things to be held back a bit. The chances of me playing a probably quite slim. There would potentially be a few risks but that decision hasn't been taken just yet."

He remains hopeful of featuring in the second Test at the same venue next week, due to the inferior workload required of the seamers in the sub-continent. "I'm getting there but I need a bit more in the tank," Woakes conceded.

Perhaps most frustrating for Woakes is he arrived in Sri Lanka as a likely starter, with Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer taking a break before the India tour. His period in quarantine now sees him at the back of the queue with either Sam Curran or a third spinner ahead in the pecking order.

^{Joe Root faces several selection dilemmas in Galle (ECB)}

"I came into this tour pushing for a place in the starting XI," he admitted. "Whether that happened or not is out of my control but I was hoping to force my way in. With no Stokesy here that kind of emphasises that allrounder role. Myself or Sam Curran could potentially balance the team a bit. I was looking forward to pushing my case and I've still tried to do that. 

"Whether this week comes too soon, probably likely but moving forward for the rest of the series and the India series I can force my way in. A little bit frustrating that I can't push my case but I've got my head around the situation and you have to move on."

It also means Woakes moves on to India with no further clarity over his ability to perform consistently abroad. His average with the ball climbs to 51.68 from his 14 Tests outside of England.

Green shoots of recovery were evident in the form of encouraging performances in Hamilton and Johannesburg last winter but it remains to be seen if Woakes gets the opportunity to build on those outings.

"I toured here last time when we won 3-0 (in 2018) and I didn't play a game," he added. "I worked really hard behind the scenes there to work on a few things with the Kookaburra ball. 

"I made a few strides last winter and as a cricketer, you always want to be moving forward. When you look at the likes of Broad and Anderson they're always looking to improve and I see myself in the same manner. 

"I need to keep adapting and work hard on that away record and here is no different. India is a tough tour as I've got that in my sights as well."