Chris Woakes Eyes 400 Wickets as England Prepares for Final Test Against India

As the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy approaches, Chris Woakes is on the verge of a significant milestone, needing just five more wickets to reach 400 in international cricket. The match at The Oval is crucial for both teams, with England leading the series 2-1. India, buoyed by a recent draw, aims to level the series. With standout performances from players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah, the stage is set for an exciting showdown. Will Woakes achieve his milestone, and can India turn the tide? Read on for more details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 31, 2025, 02:05 IST

Woakes on the Brink of a Milestone

As England prepares for the concluding Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, commencing on July 31 at The Oval, Chris Woakes stands just five wickets shy of achieving 400 wickets in international cricket across all formats.

To date, Woakes has claimed 395 wickets in 216 matches, boasting an impressive average of 29.50 and an economy rate of 3.99. His record includes eight five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match. Currently, he ranks as the eighth highest wicket-taker for England in all formats.

In the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series, Woakes has performed reasonably well, taking ten wickets in four matches with an average of 52.80, placing him as the sixth leading wicket-taker in the series.

His performance at The Oval has been particularly noteworthy, with 26 wickets taken in seven matches at an average of 25.23, including his best figures of 4/50.

The exclusive club of English bowlers with over 400 wickets includes legends like James Anderson (991), Stuart Broad (847), Ian Botham (528), Darren Gough (466), Adil Rashid (419), Graeme Swann (410), and Bob Willis (405).

With the series hanging in the balance and India facing a challenging venue, they will need to muster all their strength, discipline, and confidence. The team has displayed moments of brilliance throughout the series, highlighted by exceptional performances from captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the outcome now hinges on this crucial match.

The fifth and final Test between England and India is set to unfold at The Oval starting Thursday. Currently, the series favors England at 2-1, and they will be aiming to secure the series victory.

Conversely, following a memorable and resilient draw in Manchester, Team India enters the match with a psychological edge, hoping to level the series and emerge with their heads held high.