ENGLAND hero Chris Woakes gave the country a glimmer of hope in the Ashes series, but once featured for Herefordshire as a youngster.

Woakes hit the winning runs to seal a dramatic three-wicket victory at Headingly to pull England back to 2-1 in the Ashes series.

“It was stressful at times, but Ashes cricket there’s always a twist,” Woakes told Sky Sports after the famous win.

“It was just amazing to get over the line, it’s a big win for us. I knew what was coming so we just aimed to have a game-plan and see where it got us.

“We just tried to tick that scoreboard down slowly and gradually, thankfully we got there in the end.”

Woakes took three Australian wickets the previous day as the visitors were bowled out for 224 setting up England’s run chase.

The Birmingham-born cricketer played four times for Herefordshire - three one-day games and a championship match - but they all ended in defeat.

Malcolm Morgan, Herefordshire CCC’s former chairman of the selection committee, previously spoke about Woakes’ appearances.

“I remember Chris making his Herefordshire debut against a good Cheshire side,” Morgan said.

“He was asked to bowl the last three overs at one end and took 2-30 at New Brighton. He was only young at the time so he had to bowl his 10 overs in three spells.”

“Chris was not quick but got movement both ways off the pitch. He’s had an old head and he thought about his bowling. He was a super lad and he’s from a very good family.”