England all-rounder announces retirement from international cricket
Former ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup winner with England in 2019 and 2022, Chris Woakes has called it quits.
England seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes on Monday announced his retirement from international cricket.
Woakes announced his decision taking to social media, stating, "The moment has come, and I've decided the time is right for me to retire from international cricket."
He added, "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."
Having featured in 217 games for England across all formats of the game since his debut in 2011, Woakes amassed a total of 396 wickets, in addition to 3705 runs with the willow.
The 36-year-old last featured for England during their ICC World Test Championship series finale against India at home earlier this summer.
The outing saw a heroic display from Woakes, battling a shoulder dislocation, come out and bat for England on the final day of the Test with one arm in a sling.
"Representing England, wearing the Three Lions and sharing the field with teammates over the last 15 years, many of whom have become life long friends, are things I look back on with greatest pride," Woakes added.
“Making my debut in 2011 in Australia seems like yesterday, but time flies when you are having fun. Lifting two World Cups and being part of some amazing Ashes series is something I never thought was possible, and those memories and celebrations with my teammates will stay with me forever."
The all-rounder was a vital member of England’s 2019 World Cup-winning team, playing a key role with both bat and ball. He contributed 134 runs in the tournament and picked up 16 wickets, three of which came in the final against New Zealand.
Woakes also added a T20 World Cup title with England to his name in 2022, when he helped England to a memorable triumph in Australia.
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Praising Woakes for the grit and determination he had displayed throughout his career, Chairperson of the England and Wales Cricket Board Richard Thompson added, “the images of Chris walking out to bat with his arm in a sling to try and win a Test match this summer reflected how much he cared about playing for his country and being the best team-mate he could be.
“He has been a gentleman off the field, with the skills and fierce determination to win on it, regularly rising to the occasion on the biggest stage with bat as well as ball.
"There are so many special memories, from brilliance with the new ball in the 2019 World Cup and winning the T20 World Cup in 2022 to his series-changing impact in the 2023 Men’s Ashes which earned him the player of the series honour.
“We are indebted to have players like Chris represent England and I want to thank and congratulate him for everything he has done in an England shirt for the past 14 years.”