Chris Woakes believes England have "a hell of a chance" of ending their 14-year wait to win the Ashes in Australia, despite his own absence from Ben Stokes' squad. 

Woakes sustained a shoulder injury during England's red-ball series against India this summer, and he failed to prove his fitness in time to make the travelling party.

The 36-year-old retired from international cricket following his omission, and he subsequently suggested he could still have helped England's cause.

However, he thinks Stokes' squad boasts more than enough experience to be competitive, having failed to win a single Test Down Under since a 3-1 series win in 2010-11.

"Going to Australia is a different beast, but I'm hoping the guys can go and do a good job and we've got a great chance this time," Woakes told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"We have great depth and a great squad. The lads in the first XI... if they can stay fit and on the field, we have a hell of a chance.

"Ashes cricket is played with more venom behind it, but these players have played a lot of international cricket, enough to know what it's about.

"We have been building nicely over the last few years but not quite got over the line in the big series, and it doesn't get any bigger than this.

"We are due a competitive performance down under and these guys have got that in the locker."

Woakes memorably came out to bat with him arm in a sling on the final day of the fifth Test against India in August, and he knew his Ashes participation was in doubt the moment he suffered the injury.

Christopher Roger Woakes pic.twitter.com/np2G5JIiJj

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 4, 2025

"From the moment I was injured it would have been a real push to get fit for the Ashes and they needed to select the squad. It was clear I wasn't going to make it," he added.

"I would have made the squad if I didn't get injured, I have a lot to give and it's always good to have guys who have done it in Australia and know what is expected.

"I have made big progress in the last few weeks and am hoping to play some franchise cricket in December."

The first Test begins in Perth on November 21, with matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to follow, with the Melbourne matchup being the 2025 Boxing Day Test.