Despite playing only three Ashes Tests, fast-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes was named player of the series in the recently concluded Ashes and England head coach Brendon McCullum lauded him for standing up when the opportunity came to deliver for the team. Woakes came into the playing XI from the third Ashes Test at Headingley to finish with 19 wickets at an average of 18. He was also instrumental with the bat in England winning at Headingley, being not out on 32 alongside Mark Wood’s 16 not out in a successful chase of 251 to keep the series alive and set the base for a 2-2 series scoreline.