Woakes Adds Two-Year Extension To Current Bears Deal

Woakes Adds Two-Year Extension To Current Bears Deal

Warwickshire and England fast bowler Chris Woakes has underlined his commitment to his County after signing a two year contract extension to stay with the Bears at Edgbaston until at least the end of the 2014 season.

Birmingham-born Woakes (22) played youth team cricket for Warwickshire as an 11 year-old and subsequently graduated from the Club's Academy. He made his First-Class debut for the Bears against the West Indies A in a game at Edgbaston in 2006. He's since gone on to establish himself as one of the country’s most talented fast bowlers with 223 First-Class wickets at an average of 24.60, as well as a batting average of 33.36, including four centuries.

Commenting on his stay, Chris said: "Warwickshire is my home County and I'm thrilled to be able to extend my stay here at Edgbaston.

"As a team we made great strides last season and we're all working incredibly hard in training. With the best facilities, coaching team and supporters we're in great position to make a strong challenge for trophies in 2012."

After impressing on the County circuit, Woakes was called up to the England t20 squad in Australia at the beginning of this year and hit the winning runs on his debut in Adelaide. He later went on to take 6 for 45 in a subsequent ODI on the tour in Brisbane.

Ashley Giles, Warwickshire's Director of Cricket, said: "Since graduating from the Club's Academy, Chris has gone on to lead the attack here at Edgbaston and establish himself as one of the country's leading fast bowlers.

"Despite his success over the past few seasons, as a 22 year-old we certainly expect his best days to be ahead of him and everyone here at Warwickshire is obviously very pleased that those years will be spent here at Edgbaston."

Woakes is one of 30 cricketers since 1997 to have played for a Warwickshire youth team before progressing to a career in the First-Class game. Additionally, around 60 per cent of the Club's Academy graduates have gone on to play professional cricket.