Chris Woakes has made the decision to retire from international cricket following his omission from the England team for the upcoming Ashes series. The 36-year-old allrounder, who expressed a desire to continue playing, has chosen to end his illustrious career spanning nearly 15 years due to a shoulder injury that prevented his selection to compete against Australia.
Woakes sustained a shoulder dislocation during the final Test against India at the Oval, resulting in his absence from the Ashes squad. Throughout his tenure, he amassed 192 wickets and scored 2,034 runs in 62 Tests for England. Notably, he played a crucial role in England’s triumph at the 2019 50-over World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In a reflective statement on social media, Woakes expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of representing England. He cherished the camaraderie with teammates and the unforgettable moments shared on the field, including winning two World Cups and engaging in thrilling Ashes encounters.
Acknowledging the unwavering support of his family and fans, Woakes extended heartfelt thanks to his loved ones, teammates, coaches, and supporters for their role in his journey. He looks forward to continuing his cricketing career at the county level and exploring new opportunities in franchise cricket.
Woakes’ retirement comes after England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, indicated that Woakes was not in consideration for the Ashes squad due to his recent injury and the need for a recovery period. Key praised Woakes’ exceptional career and his contributions to English cricket alongside esteemed bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Beyond his Test achievements, Woakes also made significant contributions in white-ball cricket, claiming 204 wickets in 155 appearances across various formats. His standout performances in the 2023 Ashes series and consistent displays for England underscore his value as a dependable player across all cricket disciplines.