Woakes has taken seven wickets in the opening two games of the season

Warwickshire pace bowler Chris Woakes has set his sights on emulating Middlesex paceman Steven Finn's rise to the England ranks.

Finn, 21, played both Tests on the recent tour of Bangladesh, claiming his first four international wickets.

"It's nice to see Finny going in and doing really well," Woakes told BBC WM.

"I'm good mates with him and I'd like to be able to follow in his footsteps. If I keep performing for Warwickshire hopefully those accolades will come."

Birmingham-born Woakes, 21, finds himself spearheading the Bears' pace attack alongside veteran Neil Carter, but he remains undaunted by the challenge.

I've improved in terms of my strength, and I feel like I'm in good rhythm Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes

"I enjoy leading the attack, and hopefully I can do that for a long time. I'm relishing the chance and really enjoy it - long may that continue," he insisted.

Over the winter the England Lions player had intended to add some pace to his delivery and develop an effective bouncer, but things did not quite work out that way.

"I worked a lot on mainly one-day skills and that's helped me in that format," Woakes said.

"I haven't had much chance to work on four-day cricket but I feel I've improved in terms of my strength, and I feel like I'm in good rhythm."

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