Woakes Rue Missed Opportunities as India Dominate Edgbaston Test Opening Day

Chris Woakes expressed his frustration with several close calls that went against England on the opening day of the Edgbaston Test against India. The seamer believed that a couple of early wickets could have drastically altered the course of the day.

Chris Woakes celebrates a wicket on day one. © Getty

Woakes was particularly aggrieved by an lbw decision against Karun Nair. The bowler was convinced he had trapped Nair in front, but the TV replay showed the ball clipping the top of off-stump, leading to the on-field umpire's original decision being upheld. Woakes suggested that if a batsman doesn't offer a shot and the ball hits the stumps, it should be out, regardless of how much of the ball is hitting.

Earlier in the day, Yashasvi Jaiswal also benefited from a close call when he was struck on the front pad. Replays indicated the ball was only brushing the top of leg-stump.

"We could have easily had them 30 for 3," Woakes said, referring to the two close calls. "It was a pretty frustrating morning, really. Obviously emotions run high when you are desperate to do well for the team, do well for yourself and it would've been nice... had those decisions gone our way, the day looks completely different, but that is Test cricket and we move on."

Despite the frustrations, Woakes did manage to pick up two wickets, finishing the day with 2-59 in 21 overs. One notable dismissal was that of Nitish Reddy, who shouldered arms to a delivery that pitched outside off and tailed back in to hit the stumps.

Reflecting on playing at his home ground, Woakes added, "Across a career, you don't get that many games at your home venue: this is my fourth Test match here. They are really special weeks. You have a lot of friends and family in the ground, and I've got a lot of love for Warwickshire which goes deep. It's all I've ever known... There's a lot of people behind the scenes who support you through the good times and the bad."

Despite Woakes' efforts, India ended the day in a strong position at 310/5, thanks in part to Shubman Gill's century.