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'I have come back in the BEST shape': England bowler Chris Woakes reveals why he pulled out of this year's IPL auction as he focuses on landing a spot in Ben Stokes' Ashes side

Chris Woakes currently commands a place in two of England’s three teams - but absence from Test cricket has made the heart grow fonder and the head consider some pretty big decisions.

Now 34, Woakes knows only too well the riches involved at the Indian Premier League, having held two £500,000-plus contracts in the past, but he pulled out of this year’s auction as part of his bid to feature in this summer’s Ashes.

It means he will go straight from this tour of Bangladesh, which concludes with a Twenty20 series beginning on Thursday, into County Championship action with Warwickshire next month.