England players upbeat over Mark Stoneman

Chris Woakes may find himself playing alongside Stoneman this week at Edgbaston, where the latter is inked in as Alastair Cook's 12th opening partner since the retirement of Andrew Strauss five years ago.

Stoneman is 5/1 with Sky Bet to be England's top batsman in the first innings against the West Indies, 6/4 to score 50 and 4/1 to complete a century.

Woakes, meanwhile, is hoping to make his international return from injury as he tries to inch out Toby Roland-Jones as third seamer.

It is a 50-50 call whether that happens as the Warwickshire all-rounder himself admits his recall is perhaps unlikely from a 13-man squad to play a part in England's inaugural day-night Test on his home ground.

Woakes is far more certain that Stoneman has the ability to frustrate West Indies' pace attack in the three-match Investec series, set to get under way on Thursday afternoon.

It was as a Durham batsman, before his prosperous move south to Surrey this year, that Stoneman made Woakes aware of his potential - in particular with a county championship century at Chester-le-Street two summers ago.

"I've played quite a bit against Mark over the years ... (and) I know he has been in fantastic form," said Woakes.

"He is a tricky guy to bowl at - particularly for an opening batsman, he hits the ball in quite funny areas.

"You always find your natural length has to change a bit to him."

Stoneman's ability to attack off the back foot was a problem for Woakes, already an established international seamer when he was unable to stop him hitting 112 - and making a lasting impression.

"That good, solid length, he actually picks up quite well ... (he's) a good puller of the ball.

"He's a good player in good form, (and I'm) really pleased he has been selected.

"He takes advantage when you're not quite on it as a bowler.

"Sometimes that can be the worst case for a bowler ... you want a batsman who will leave a few balls, not climb into them."

West Indies may be wise to take heed, although Woakes notes the task facing Stoneman has already confounded a team full of previous contenders.

"He is tough to bowl at, but I think the fact he is Alastair Cook's 12th opening partner since Andrew Strauss goes to prove just how hard it is and how good Cooky has been.

"It is a hard job at the top of the order, and sometimes you're going to get some good 'nuts'."

Woakes is hoping for the chance to deliver a few of those himself, having been unavailable to England for the past 11 weeks since a side strain abruptly ended his Champions Trophy campaign after just two overs.

He was back with runs and wickets for his county last week, and would delight in the opportunity to play just his second Birmingham Test.

"I'd love to be a part of it," said the 28-year-old.

"I had a great experience here last year, winning against Pakistan.

"That was one of the highlights of my career to step on the Edgbaston turf, and (to) win a game the way we did on that last day was pretty incredible.

"That experience makes me want to replicate it here for the first day-night Test."

It will be a historic occasion with or without him.

"I'm sure it won't be the last - but you never know how it is going to go," he added.

"I'm desperate to be back in the England team, but it is probably out of my control whether I get picked or not."

As for his own well-being, physically Woakes is confident and increasingly so mentally too after completing his recovery from an injury which haunts all pace bowlers once the guide arm goes up in delivery stride.

"Of course, it's always in the back of your mind a little.

"(But) the more I bowl, the less I think about it."

After Roland-Jones' eight wickets on debut at The Oval two matches ago, no one needs to tell Woakes that his route straight back into the XI is far from a formality - and as with Stoneman, he has a high regard for his rival.

"The fact that the team has come off the back of a 3-1 convincing win over South Africa means it is not likely, I suppose, that I'll play," he said.

"Toby has (done) fantastically well.

"To get five-for on debut in any conditions is an amazing effort.

"It's no surprise that he came in and did really well. He's bossed county cricket for a few years, and his record speaks for itself."