Chris Woakes targets talks with Ben Stokes over Ashes recall requirements

Chris Woakes will seek talks with Ben Stokes and direct instructions on England’s new style of play as he looks to force his way into this summer’s Ashes plans.

Woakes, 34, has gone a year without first-class cricket after knee surgery last July but an impressive Test record with the Dukes ball at home – 94 wickets at 22, a lower average than both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad – means he surely sits among the “eight fit fast bowlers” Stokes wants ready to face Australia.

Having shouldered arms to the Indian Premier League – a decision not taken lightly, given his age and future opportunities in the tournament – Woakes will sit out Warwickshire’s County Championship opener at Somerset that starts on Thursday but then make his long-awaited red ball return at home to Kent the following week.

For a cricketer who has won every domestic title except the Hundred, and added a second World Cup winner’s medal to his mantelpiece during the winter, the goal now is pretty simple: to pull on the whites of England once more and sample the apparent joy ride the team has been on over the past 12 months.

“There’s no cricketer in the country who doesn’t want to be a part of that,” said Woakes. “Winning games and a fun environment, with two greats of the game in Stokes and Brendon McCullum leading the charge – it’s exciting from the outside and I’m sure even more on the inside.”

Asked if there had been dialogue with Stokes regarding Test cricket, Woakes replied: “No, but purposefully. He’s had a lot going on, I’ve had a lot going on and I’ve wanted to get back to Warwickshire, get the red ball in hand first.

“But I will give him a call to find out what he’s thinking from my point of view, whether he wants me to play in a certain way to