England cricketer Chris Woakes has officially retired from international cricket following his exclusion from the 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 cost him a spot in the team against Australia.
Woakes sustained a shoulder dislocation during the final Test against India at the Oval, resulting in him missing out on selection for the Ashes. Throughout his tenure, he claimed 192 wickets and scored 2,034 runs in 62 Test matches for England. He was a key member of the teams that clinched the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
In a statement on social media, Woakes reflected on his journey, stating, “Playing for England was a childhood dream realized, and I am grateful for the experiences and camaraderie shared with teammates over the years.” He expressed pride in representing his country and highlighted memorable achievements, including winning two World Cups and participating in thrilling Ashes contests.
Acknowledging his family’s support and the fans’ unwavering enthusiasm, Woakes expressed gratitude to his loved ones and the cricket community for their encouragement. He also thanked his coaches, teammates, and the staff at both England and Warwickshire for their invaluable guidance and friendship. Looking ahead, Woakes expressed eagerness to continue playing county cricket and explore new opportunities in franchise cricket.
Woakes’ retirement came after England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, revealed that Woakes was not considered for the Ashes squad due to his shoulder injury. Key emphasized the challenges Woakes faced in recovering in time for the series and indicated that Woakes was not part of the immediate plans for the team.
Praising Woakes’ contributions, Key described him as a remarkable individual who made significant contributions alongside England’s legendary bowlers. Woakes’ impact extended beyond Test cricket, as he amassed 204 wickets in 155 appearances across limited-overs formats, playing a pivotal role in England’s World Cup triumphs.
As a respected figure in English cricket, Woakes’ retirement marks the end of a distinguished international career marked by both individual success and collective achievements with the national team.