Chris Woakes has officially retired from international cricket following his exclusion from the England squad for the upcoming Ashes series. The 36-year-old allrounder, who expressed a desire to continue playing, made the decision to end his nearly 15-year career 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, leading to his omission from the Ashes squad. Throughout his tenure, he amassed 192 wickets and 2,034 runs in 62 Test matches for England. Notably, he played a pivotal role in England’s victories at the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
In a social media post, Woakes reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent England since his childhood aspirations. He highlighted the pride he felt in donning the Three Lions jersey, forming lasting friendships with teammates, and participating in memorable events such as winning two World Cups and engaging in thrilling Ashes encounters.
Acknowledging the support of his family, including his parents, wife, and daughters, Woakes extended his appreciation to fans, coaches, teammates, and the cricket community for their unwavering backing. While bidding farewell to international cricket, he looks forward to continuing his career in county cricket and exploring new opportunities in franchise cricket.
Woakes’ retirement announcement came after England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, confirmed that Woakes was not considered for the Ashes squad due to his shoulder injury and recovery timeline. Key commended Woakes for his contributions to the game, emphasizing his exemplary character and valuable presence in England’s cricketing legacy alongside stalwarts like James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Aside from his Test achievements, Woakes excelled in the white-ball formats, claiming 204 wickets in 155 appearances and playing pivotal roles in England’s success in the 50-over and T20 World Cups. His remarkable performances in the 2023 Ashes series and consistent contributions across all formats solidified his reputation as a reliable performer for his country.