Chris Woakes Retires from International Cricket After Ashes Omission
England allrounder Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket, closing the chapter on a remarkable 14-year career that spanned across formats and delivered countless memorable moments for English cricket. So let’s have a look at Chris Woakes Retires from International Cricket.
The 36-year-old, who was left out of England’s Ashes squad following his shoulder injury during the fifth Test against India earlier this year, confirmed his decision on Instagram. The injury, sustained while fielding at The Oval, ultimately brought the curtain down on his time in an England shirt.
A Glittering Career Across Formats
Woakes made his debut in 2011 and went on to represent England in 62 Tests, 122 ODIs, and 33 T20Is, collecting 396 wickets and over 3,500 international runs. His Test career included a memorable hundred against India at Lord’s in 2018 and several match-winning spells at home, particularly in English conditions where he often outperformed legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad in averages.
In ODIs, Woakes was a central figure in England’s white-ball revolution. He finished with 173 wickets at 30.01, the fifth-most for England in the format. His contribution to the 2019 ICC World Cup win was invaluable, especially his semi-final heroics against Australia and his new-ball control in the final at Lord’s.
He added another crown in 2022 when England lifted the T20 World Cup in Australia, making him a rare double World Cup winner.
Ashes Heroics and Final Goodbye
Woakes was named Player of the Series in the 2023 Ashes, when his return midway helped England fight back from 2-0 down to level the series 2-2. That campaign cemented his legacy as a cricketer who thrived under pressure.
His final England appearance came in the 2025 Oval Test against India, when he walked out to bat with his arm in a sling, embodying the spirit and resilience that defined his career.
Emotional Farewell
In his retirement statement, Woakes expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and fans:
“Playing for England was something I aspired to do since I was a kid dreaming in the back garden, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived out those dreams. Lifting two World Cups and being part of Ashes series will stay with me forever.”
ECB chair Richard Thompson praised Woakes as “a gentleman off the field and a fierce competitor on it”, while Rob Key called him “one of the finest people to have played the game.”
Also read: Strengths and weaknesses of Team India for ICC WWC 2025
What’s Next for Woakes?
Though stepping away from the international stage, Woakes intends to continue playing county cricket for Warwickshire and is open to franchise cricket opportunities.
With his retirement, England bids farewell to a cricketer who combined skill, selflessness, and heart, leaving behind a legacy that future generations will aspire to emulate.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP
