LAST DASH

Woakes snubbing IPL to target crack at Aussies

- RICHARD LEWIS

CHRIS WOAKES hopes sacrificing an Indian Premier League payday in favour of a County Championship stint gives him the best chance of featuring in the Ashes. 

An important player in England’s T20 World Cup triumph last November, Woakes would have been fancied to land an IPL deal.

But he decided before December’s auction to prioritise turning out for Warwickshire when the domestic season starts next month.

Spending time with family after a winter full of England and franchise commitments is a factor, but the main aim is to force his way back into the Test set-up for another tilt at Australia.