Chris Woakes has officially retired from international cricket following his omission from the England squad for the upcoming Ashes series. The 36-year-old allrounder, who was eager to continue playing, made the decision to end his nearly 15-year career after a shoulder injury prevented his selection to face Australia.
Woakes sustained a shoulder dislocation during the final Test against India at the Oval, which led to him missing out on the Ashes squad. Throughout his tenure, he claimed 192 wickets and scored 2,034 runs in 62 Test matches for England. He was a key member of the teams that secured the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
In a social media post, Woakes expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent England, fulfilling a childhood dream he cherished since his early days. He highlighted the pride he felt wearing the Three Lions jersey and the lasting friendships forged with his teammates over the years.
Acknowledging the support of his family, including his parents, wife, and daughters, Woakes credited them for their unwavering love and sacrifices that enabled his successful career. He also extended his appreciation to the fans, particularly the Barmy Army, for their passionate support, and thanked his coaches, teammates, and the staff at England and Warwickshire for their guidance.
Looking ahead, Woakes expressed enthusiasm for continuing his cricketing journey in county cricket and exploring new opportunities with franchise teams. His retirement decision came after England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, indicated that Woakes was not part of the Ashes plans due to his recent injury and the need for a recovery period.
Key praised Woakes as a remarkable individual and player who made significant contributions alongside England’s top bowlers. Beyond his Test achievements, Woakes also excelled in white-ball cricket, claiming 204 wickets in 155 appearances across various formats and playing crucial roles in England’s World Cup victories. He was recognized as the player of the series in the 2023 Ashes and consistently delivered for his country in all cricket formats.