Chris Woakes on the mend after injury issues

Chris Woakes is hoping to make his return from injury next week in a bid to prove his fitness ahead of the Test series against India.

Woakes, who has a chronic knee problem that is likely to require attention for the rest of his career, also sustained an injury to his right quad during the Headingley Test against Pakistan. He is aiming to play as a batsman in Warwickshire's 2nd XI match against Leicestershire in Kibworth from July 10.

If he comes through that game unscathed, he will play as an allrounder in the four-day England Lions match against India A in Worcester from July 16.

All four of England's likely first-choice seam attack for the first Test against India (starting at Edgbaston on August 1) are currently involved in a rehabilitation programme.

Stuart Broad, who has an ankle ligament issue, plans to return to cricket in Nottinghamshire's Championship match against Surrey starting on July 22, while James Anderson, who has a chronic shoulder issue, is planning to play in the same round of Championship matches.

The final member of that likely seam attack, Ben Stokes, played for Durham as a specialist batsman on Thursday night. While he made an unbeaten 90, he ended the night limping having edging a ball into his foot or ankle in training ahead of the game. He sustained a similar blow in a warm-up game earlier in the week and the area is understood to be heavily bruised.

However, England confirmed on Friday* that Stokes would be in Cardiff for the second T20I against India, and is expected to be available for selection for Sunday's match in Bristol as his comeback continues.