In a move that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, England’s Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Closing the book on a 15-year career that blended quiet excellence, unyielding team spirit, and two World Cup triumphs.
The 36-year-old all-rounder, often hailed as “the nicest man in cricket,” shared the news on social media today, just days after being omitted from England’s squad for the upcoming Ashes tour to Australia due to a lingering shoulder injury.
“The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket,” Chris Woakes wrote in his statement.
“Making my ODI debut in 2011 in Australia seems like yesterday, but time flies when you’re having fun. The pleasure has all been mine, no regrets.”
He added that he looks forward to continuing in county cricket with Warwickshire and pursuing franchise opportunities abroad.
Woakes’ departure marks the end of an era for English cricket, where he stood as a pillar of reliability amid the highs and lows of the past decade and a half.
Born on March 2, 1989, in Birmingham, Woakes honed his skills at local clubs like Aston Manor and Walmley before rising through Warwickshire’s ranks.
His international journey began in earnest with a T20I debut against Australia in Adelaide on January 12, 2011, followed swiftly by ODI and Test caps.
Chris Woakes in his last appearance during Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, Despite the hand injury he decided the Bat at 10. (Twitter/X)
A Career in Numbers: Excellence at Home, Grit Everywhere
Chris Woakes leaves the international stage with an enviable ledger: 62 Tests, 122 ODIs, and 33 T20Is, totaling 217 appearances.
His Test record stands out—192 wickets at an average of 29.61, complemented by 2,034 runs at 25.00, including a career-best 137 not out against India in 2018 and seven half-centuries.
Notably, he etched his name on all three Lord’s Honours Boards: a century, a five-wicket haul, and a 10-wicket match.
Yet, Woakes’ Test career is defined by a peculiar split—stunning dominance at home (148 wickets at 23.87) contrasted with overseas struggles (average over 54).
This home-away dichotomy fueled endless selection debates but never dimmed his value as a team player. In white-ball cricket, he was a linchpin: 173 ODI wickets and 31 in T20Is, with a highest score of 95 not out in the 50-over format.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Run Scored | Batting Avg. | Bowling Avg. | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 62 | 192 | 2034 | 25.00 | 29.61 | 2023 Ashes Player of the Series (19 wkts @18 .14); Lord’s Honours Boards |
| ODIs | 122 | 173 | 1057 | 21.14 | 30.77 | 2019 World Cup Winner (16 wkts) |
| T20Is | 33 | 31 | 156 | 15.6 | 25.29 | 2022 T20 World Cup Winner |
World Cup Glory and Ashes Drama: The Peaks of Woakes’ Legacy
Chris Woakes will forever be remembered for his role in England’s golden white-ball era.
He was instrumental in the 2019 ODI World Cup triumph at home, claiming 16 wickets in 11 matches, including three in the semi-final against Australia and three more in the dramatic final tie against New Zealand.
Three years later, he was one of only four players to feature in both the 2019 ODI and 2022 T20 World Cup finals, helping secure the latter in Melbourne.
In Tests, Chris Woakes shone brightest during the 2023 Ashes series at home, where he earned the Compton-Miller Medal as Player of the Series with 19 wickets at 18.14 across three matches.
His ability to thrive under pressure was epitomized this summer when, during the final Test against India, he batted with a dislocated shoulder—strapped in a sling—to protect England’s innings, a moment that captured his selfless ethos.
Teammates and officials have been quick to pay tribute. England managing director Rob Key called him “one of the finest people to have played the game,” praising his camaraderie with legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
ECB Chair Richard Thompson highlighted the sling incident as a symbol of Woakes’ dedication: “It reflected how much he cared about playing for his country and being the best team-mate he could be.”
On X (formerly Twitter), former captain Michael Atherton lauded him as “somebody who would do anything for the team,” while current stars like Mark Wood, Jos Buttler, and Jason Roy echoed sentiments of admiration and gratitude.
The Injury That Tipped the Scales for Chris Woakes
The catalyst for Chris Woakes‘ retirement was a dislocated shoulder sustained in the India series, which sidelined him and ultimately excluded him from the Ashes squad.
At 36, with no central contract forthcoming and a body that had endured years of seam bowling’s toll, the timing felt poignant yet inevitable.
“It’s a shame that Chris Woakes will not be afforded a proper send-off,” noted BBC Sport, “but perhaps that unforgettable moment at The Oval [in 2023 Ashes] was a fitting farewell for the ultimate team man.”
As peers like Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow fade from the international scene, Woakes’ exit underscores the generational shift in English cricket.
Joe Root remains a beacon, but the seam attack now looks to youth like Matthew Potts, who is in contention for the Ashes.
Looking Ahead: County Grounds and Global Leagues for Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes hasn’t ruled out cricket entirely. Negotiations with Warwickshire for a new deal are underway, and he’s eyeing franchise stints, including with MI Emirates in the ILT20 if his shoulder recovers.
Fans on X have flooded timelines with tributes, from stats breakdowns to heartfelt memes, celebrating a career of 396 international wickets and 3,705 runs.
Chris Woakes may not have chased personal glory, but his legacy is etched in England’s triumphs and the quiet respect he commanded.
As he steps away, cricket loses not just a wizard with the ball, but a gentleman who made the game better. No regrets, indeed.
Read More : Asia Cup Trophy | Yesterday’s Buzz in the Final