IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Chris Woakes Explains Emotional Meaning Behind Tattoo On His Left Hand

England pacer Chris Woakes paid a touching tribute to his late father with a heartfelt tattoo, revealed after Day 1 of the second Test against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The emotional ink, located on his left tricep, comes in memory of his father Roger Woakes, who passed away in May 2024.

The tattoo features an image of Roger Woakes wearing a flat cap, hands clasped behind his back capturing a familiar sight from the boundary line where he would often be seen nervously watching his son play. Surrounding the image are his initials and significant dates, symbolising the bond they shared.

Chris Woakes explains meaning behind the tatoo

Speaking after the day’s play, Woakes opened up about the meaning behind the tribute. “I got it in memory of him,” he told The Telegraph. “My Dad always wore a flat cap and would walk around the boundary with his hands behind his back, nervously watching me play cricket. He’s always on my mind. There are moments where I think about him. He loved his cricket and would’ve loved this week.”

IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Chris Woakes performance on Day 1

On a bowler-friendly Day 1 at Edgbaston, the 36-year-old was instrumental in putting India under pressure, claiming the wickets of KL Rahul (2) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1). He ended the day with impressive figures of 21 overs, 6 maidens, 59 runs, and 2 wickets.

However it was Indian abtters who dominated the day with Shubman Gill leading the charge with a century. The Indian skipper remained unbeaten on 114 off 216 balls.  Gill showed great composure and patience, anchoring the innings through multiple partnerships and holding firm even as wickets fell at the other end. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a blazing start, scoring an attacking 87 off 107 deliveries.