Chris Woakes, the England all-rounder, has announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately. Woakes represented England for 15 years, making his international debut in 2011.
The 36-year-old recently missed out on selection for The Ashes 2025-26 while recovering from a shoulder injury. Rob Key, managing director of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), confirmed thatChris Woakes was no longer part of England’s future plans following his absence from the Ashes squad.
Chris Woakes last played in England’s Test series against India in August. During the fifth Test at The Oval, he suffered a shoulder dislocation while fielding on the first day and was ruled out of the match. Despite the injury, he displayed remarkable courage by coming out to bat on the final day with his shoulder in a sling.
“Playing for England Was My Childhood Dream” – Chris Woakes Announces Retirement
Speaking about his decision, the 36-year-old said, “The moment has come, and I feel the time is right to step away from international cricket. Playing for England was something I aspired to since I was a child, dreaming in the back garden, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have achieved that dream.”
He added, “Representing England, wearing the Three Lions, and sharing the field with teammates over the past 15 years—many of whom have become lifelong friends—are memories I will always cherish with immense pride.”
Over a 15-year career, Chris Woakes featured in 62 Tests, 122 ODIs, and 33 T20Is. With the bat, he amassed 2,034 runs in Tests, 1,524 in ODIs, and 146 in T20Is, including a solitary Test century. With the ball, he took 192 wickets in Tests, 173 in ODIs, and 31 in T20Is.
Chris Woakes played a key role in England’s historic ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 win against New Zealand, claiming a crucial three-wicket haul in the final. He was also part of the England side that triumphed in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, defeating Pakistan in the final.
