RETIREMENT
Woakes’ final appearance came in a Test match against India. © Getty
England bowling allrounder Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 36-year-old, who last featured in the Oval Test against India and missed out on selection for the Ashes in Australia, confirmed he will continue to play county cricket while also exploring opportunities in franchise leagues.
“The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket,” Woakes said in a statement. “Playing for England was something I aspired to do since I was a kid dreaming in the back garden, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived out those dreams. Representing England, wearing the Three Lions and sharing the field with teammates over the last 15 years, many of whom have become lifelong friends, are things I’ll look back on with the greatest pride.
“Making my debut in 2011 in Australia seems like yesterday, but time flies when you’re having fun. Lifting two World Cups and being part of some amazing Ashes series is something I never thought was possible, and those memories and celebrations with my teammates will stay with me forever.
“To my Mum and Dad, my wife Amie and our girls Laila and Evie, thank you for your unwavering love, support and sacrifices over the years. None of this would have been possible without you. To the fans, especially the Barmy Army, thank you for the passion, the cheers and the belief. To my coaches, teammates and everyone behind the scenes – both with England and Warwickshire – your guidance and friendship has meant the world.
“I look forward to continuing to play county cricket and exploring more franchise opportunities in the near future.”
Woakes made his international debut in January 2011 during England’s limited-overs tour of Australia, featuring in both T20Is and ODIs. His Test debut followed two years later, in the final Ashes Test at The Oval, where he replaced the injured Tim Bresnan.
Across 62 Tests, Woakes claimed 192 wickets, with his best match figures of 11 for 102 against Pakistan at Lord’s and best innings figures of 6 for 17 against Ireland at the same venue. With the bat, he has one Test century to his name apart from seven fifties.
In ODIs, Woakes represented England 122 times, taking 173 wickets, with a career-best 6 for 45 against Australia in Brisbane during his debut series. He also played 33 T20Is, picking up 31 wickets. His last ODI appearance came against Pakistan at the 2023 World Cup, while his final T20I was against West Indies later that year. Woakes was also a part of England’s white-ball renaissance in 2015 and went on to lift the ODI World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
Woakes’ final Test was against India at The Oval, where he dislocated his shoulder but still came out to bat with his left arm in a sling on the last day. While he focused on rehabilitation to be fit for the Ashes, he was ultimately left out of the squad. England men’s managing director Rob Key later confirmed Woakes was no longer part of their long-term plans.
© Cricbuzz
