Chris Woakes has officially retired from international cricket following his exclusion from the England squad for the upcoming Ashes series. The 36-year-old all-rounder, who expressed a desire to continue, made the decision to end his career of nearly 15 years due to a shoulder injury that prevented his selection to play against Australia.
Woakes sustained a shoulder dislocation during the final Test against India at the Oval, leading to his omission from the Ashes squad. Throughout his 62 Test matches for England, he claimed 192 wickets and scored 2,034 runs. Notably, he was a vital part of the teams that secured the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
In a statement on social media, Woakes expressed gratitude for fulfilling his childhood dream of representing England in cricket. Reflecting on his career milestones, including winning two World Cups and participating in memorable Ashes series, he acknowledged the unwavering support of his family and fans, as well as the guidance of coaches and teammates.
Woakes mentioned that the decision to retire was influenced by England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, who indicated that Woakes was not considered for the Ashes squad due to his injury and time constraints. Key praised Woakes for his contributions to English cricket, highlighting his exceptional character and impact on the game alongside renowned bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Apart from his Test achievements, Woakes also excelled in white-ball cricket, taking 204 wickets in 155 appearances across limited-overs formats. His standout performances in the 2023 Ashes and consistent contributions in all formats solidified his reputation as a dependable player for England.
Looking ahead, Woakes expressed his intention to continue playing county cricket and explore opportunities with franchise teams in the future. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable career defined by dedication, skill, and significant achievements in international cricket.