Chris Woakes: England bowler's rapid progress amazes Michael Vaughan
Chris Woakes has gone from a "Skoda to a Ferrari" in just three months, says former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Woakes, 27, picked up 5-31 on day three of the first Test against Pakistan after his first-innings 6-70.
He has the second-best England match figures of this decade, after Jimmy Anderson's 10-45 against Sri Lanka in May.
Vaughan said Woakes' transformation was "staggering", adding: "He's been told to bowl quicker and he's done that."
Speaking to BBC's Test Match Special, Vaughan added: "It just proves to anyone that you can go away, work hard, improve your game, improve your mentality, and it just looks to me like he's that bit stronger.
"He bends his back that bit harder. He's one of the first names on the sheet. He deserves it."
England face a significant run chase against Pakistan, with the visitors finishing day three on 214-8 with a lead of 281.
Woakes had a disappointing tour of South Africa at the turn of the year, picking just two wickets in as many games. However, he improved to gather eight wickets in two Tests against Sri Lanka more recently.
"He's come back a bit stronger," said Vaughan, who expects Woakes to be in the side even when Jimmy Anderson and Ben Stokes return from injury for the second Test at Old Trafford.
"I think he puts more energy into the action, power into the ball. And that's why he's bowling quicker.
"I'm sure the coaches have helped, but he's done it himself. he's worked it out and come back a fantastic cricketer.