After being left out of the Ashes squad, the World Cup-winning all-rounder has decided to bring down the curtain on his 15-year England career.
What had been feared a few days ago has now become reality: England’s World Cup-winning all-rounder Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Woakes, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the past two months, was ruled out of the upcoming Ashes series. Following last Tuesday’s squad announcement without him, England men’s managing director Rob Key made it clear that Woakes was no longer part of their future plans—hinting at the end of his international journey.
On Monday, the 36-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder officially announced on Instagram that he is retiring from international cricket, though he will continue playing county and franchise cricket.
“The time has come, and I’ve decided that now is the right moment to retire from international cricket.”
“It was my dream from childhood to play for England, and I feel very lucky to have been able to turn those dreams into reality. Representing England, wearing the Three Lions jersey, and walking onto the field with my teammates—many of whom have become lifelong friends—is something I will always remember with great pride.”
On July 31 against India at The Oval, Woakes dislocated his shoulder after falling while fielding on the opening day. Later, he even came out to bat one-handed with his arm in a sling to help the team. That match, which England lost by six runs, turned out to be Woakes’s final appearance in national colours.
Since 2023, Woakes had not been picked for England’s ODI or T20I squads; only Test cricket remained for him. He was named Player of the Series in the last Ashes and played all five matches in the recent India series—yet, in just two months, he now finds himself retired.
Woakes ends his Test career with 192 wickets in 62 matches, including five five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match. With the bat, he scored 2,034 runs at an average of 25.11, including one century and seven fifties.
In ODIs, he claimed 173 wickets from 122 games and scored 1,524 runs with six fifties. In 33 T20Is, he took 31 wickets and scored 147 runs.
A member of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup-winning squads, Woakes reflected fondly on his achievements as he bid farewell:
“It feels like only yesterday that I made my debut in Australia back in 2011, but time flies when you’re having fun. Winning two World Cups and playing in some incredible Ashes series are things I never thought possible. Those memories and the celebrations with my teammates will stay with me forever.”
He also thanked those who supported him throughout his career:
“To my mum and dad, my wife Amy, and our daughters Laila and Evie—thank you for your endless love, support, and sacrifices over the years. None of this would have been possible without you.”
Woakes extended his gratitude to the fans, coaches, and everyone else who had been part of his journey.
