England's 'wizard' Chris Woakes happy to be a Cricket World Cup hero – and a Villan

Chris Woakes has already celebrated two promotions in three weeks – but this week is no time for England to level off at cruising altitude.

All-rounder Woakes, a massive Aston Villa fan, saw his team restored to the Premier League last month before answering injury-hit England’s SOS to bat at No.3, for the first time in his career, to keep their World Cup campaign on track.

The ‘Wizard’, as he is known in the dressing room, contributed a belligerent 40 to the eight-wicket win over West Indies after crocked opener Jason Roy and skipper Eoin Morgan were unable to bat.

And although England’s flexible friend expects to be restored to his middle-order pasture against Afghanistan tomorrow, coach Trevor Bayliss was impressed by Woakes’ attitude.

Woakes signals to Pakistan supporters earlier this month
(Image: Getty)

He enjoyed a front row view of Joe Root’s match-winning hundred and said: “Villa going up and batting at No.3 for England? I didn’t think either of them would happen – it’s a pleasant surprise.

“I certainly didn’t wake up in the morning expecting to bat at No3, so I’m pleased it went well and we picked up the points, too.

“Coming off at half-time, I got a tap on the shoulder from TB. There had been the odd whisper about me opening the batting, but that didn’t last long.

“But I was delighted to get the opportunity to bat at three – I don’t think I’ve ever done it before, for Warwickshire or anyone else.

Chris Woakes of England bats against West Indies
(Image: Getty Images)

“I was more than happy to do a job for the team. The plan was to keep the middle order settled and not move too many people around.

“Thankfully, we were only chasing just over 200 – if it had been 300, we might have been a bit more nervous.

“It could have looked silly, especially if we’re 10 for 2 and I’m back in the hutch, but the boys handled it really well.

Woakes celebrates taking the wicket of West Indies Evin Lewis
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“Rooty batted beautifully throughout, he’s always so calm. I’ve batted with him a few times in Test matches and he’s a world-class player: To watch him operate from the other end with a box office seat was a real treat.”

Although there is concern that Roy’s hamstring strain could keep him out of the next three matches, England have the top-order firepower to cope and Woakes added: “We have to be flexible. In a World Cup, things aren’t always going to go according to plan.

“When it’s a series, you can call people in at your will and play them when you want, but in a tournament like this it’s always going to be a squad effort, but I’ll be reminding ‘Morgs’ I did all right at No3, just in case!”