Tag Eng-WI-June-2012

Warwickshire’s all-rounder Chris Woakes has been added to England’s ODI squad as a possible replacement for bowler Jade Dernbach for the remainder of the series against the West Indies..

This step was taken after news of cricketer Tom Maynard’s death reached the team. Maynard had been hit by a train in London in the early hours of the day and died at the scene.

Dernbach was said to be very close to his Surrey team-mate Maynard and will most likely be given the series off on compassionate grounds.

England, who lead the ODI series 1-0, will look to get another win and try to lift up the inevitable low spirits at Maynard’s home ground. Flags will fly at half-mast in respect for the young cricketer.

Woakes, 23, has played 4 ODIs till date, the last one being against Ireland back in August. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed his call-up on Monday afternoon. Woakes last played a formidable opponent in India, back in October 2011, when a thigh injury forced him to be out of action for a while. His come back has been pretty good, having been a consistent performer in the County season.

Meanwhile, the West Indies are in problems of their own, with Darren Bravo and Russell being sidelined with injuries. Chris Gayle’s start still looks doubtful as well, with reports of a scan gauging his injury yet to come.