New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) Former England cricketer Chris Woakes shared insights on the team’s prospects for success in the upcoming Ashes series against their long-time rivals, Australia. He expressed confidence that Ben Stokes and his squad ‘have a hell of a chance’ to secure the coveted urn.

This edition of the Ashes will take place in Australia, where England has not emerged victorious on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series. The team aims to reverse this trend as the winter approaches.

Meanwhile, Woakes announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy against India as the closing chapter of his career. The 36-year-old faced a significant shoulder injury that has sidelined him from England’s upcoming tour.

In a conversation with BBC Radio 5 Live, Woakes assessed England’s chances in the Ashes, stating, “We have considerable depth and a strong squad. If the players in the first XI can maintain their fitness and presence on the field, we indeed have a hell of a chance. Ashes cricket carries an intensity of its own, but these players have amassed enough international experience to understand what’s at stake.”

He further remarked, “We have been developing well over the past few years, although we haven't quite crossed the finish line in major series, but this is as big as it gets. We owe it to ourselves to deliver a strong performance down under, and these players have the capability to achieve that.”

Although Woakes has concluded his illustrious career, he believes that he would have received a call-up to the squad had he been fit. He mentioned that he is on the road to recovery and anticipates returning to franchise cricket by the year's end.

The all-rounder’s final appearance on the international stage was remarkable, as he garnered admiration globally for stepping onto the field against India with a strapped shoulder and one arm in a sling.

“Given my injury, it would have been a significant challenge to regain fitness for the Ashes, and the selection needed to proceed. It was evident that I wouldn’t be able to make it. In my mind, I would have been part of the squad had I remained injury-free. I still have much to contribute, especially with players who have experience in Australia and know what’s required.”

“Physically, I feel great aside from the freak shoulder incident, and it’s healing well and gaining strength. I’ve made substantial progress in recent weeks and aim to participate in some franchise cricket in December,” he concluded.