England vs West Indies 2017: 5 players to watch out for

#1 Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes is returning from injury and is finding tough competition for a slot into the England eleven

An all-rounder of tremendous potential, Woakes returns to the England squad after sitting out of his team’s final two group games to go with the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, and the entire Test series against South Africa.

Having endured an agonising side strain against Bangladesh in England’s first match of the marquee tournament, Woakes remained out of contention as first Jake Ball, who himself got injured, then Mark Wood, another bowling casualty and now Toby Roland-Jones, who started his Test career with a five-for, threatened to occupy his place in the Test side.

Following a glorious 2016 which finally saw him build a long pending reputation across both formats, Woakes was destined for bigger things before injury struck. But another opportunity – though it comes amid high competition with Roland-Jones – has put the spotlight back on the Warwickshire lad.

A half-century and five wickets against Middlesex proved enough to show his fitness and earn him a recall into the national side, and if and when Woakes gets his chance to showcase his abilities, his sharp swinging deliveries and useful lower-order runs will come in handy for the hosts.