Chris Woakes Retires from International Cricket After 14-Year Career
England allrounder Chris Woakes has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing to an end a distinguished 14-year career that saw him play a vital role in two World Cup triumphs and numerous memorable series wins.
The 36-year-old confirmed his decision via Instagram, just days after being left out of England’s Ashes squad. His omission came on the back of a shoulder injury sustained during the fifth Test against India at The Oval in July — a match that would become his final appearance in an England shirt.
In a dramatic and emotional finale, Woakes walked out to bat at No. 11 on the final day with his arm in a sling, in a desperate but ultimately futile effort to help England secure a series win.
A Career of Impact Across Formats
Woakes retires with an impressive international record:
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62 Tests
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122 ODIs
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33 T20Is
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396 wickets across formats, making him eighth on England’s all-time list.
His standout performances came in limited-overs cricket, where he was a key figure in England's white-ball revolution. He played a central role in England’s historic 2019 World Cup win, finishing with 16 wickets, including a game-changing spell of 3 for 20 in the semi-final against Australia.
Three years later, he added a T20 World Cup medal to his collection as part of the victorious England squad in Australia in 2022.
In ODIs, Woakes claimed 173 wickets at an average of 30.01, placing him fifth among England's all-time leading wicket-takers in the format.
Ashes Hero and Red-Ball Stalwart
Though often playing in the shadow of fast-bowling legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Woakes carved out a significant Test career, especially on home soil. He made his Test debut at The Oval during the 2013 Ashes and returned to the same ground for his swan song in 2025.
His finest red-ball moment came during the 2023 Ashes, when he returned to the side mid-series and helped England claw back from 2-0 down to draw the series. His performances earned him the Player of the Series award.
In English conditions, Woakes boasts a better bowling average than both Anderson and Broad, underlining his consistency and effectiveness at home.
His Test career included a standout summer in 2016, where he took 34 wickets at just 17.20 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and a memorable maiden century at Lord’s in 2018 against India.
Retirement Statement
In his announcement, Woakes reflected on his journey:
“Playing for England was something I aspired to do since I was a kid dreaming in the back garden… Lifting two World Cups and being part of some amazing Ashes series is something I never thought was possible.”
He expressed deep gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, and the fans — particularly the Barmy Army — for their support throughout his career.
Woakes confirmed he will continue to play county cricket for Warwickshire and explore franchise opportunities globally.
Tributes from the ECB
ECB chair Richard Thompson praised Woakes for his commitment and character:
“The images of Chris walking out to bat with his arm in a sling reflected how much he cared… A gentleman off the field, with the skills and fierce determination to win on it.”
England Men’s Managing Director Rob Key added:
“Chris Woakes is one of the finest people to have played the game. A man who helped every team he played in, even before he walked onto the field.”
A Legacy of Grace and Grit
Chris Woakes leaves behind a legacy of quiet excellence, sportsmanship, and clutch performances when it mattered most. From his six-wicket haul on debut in Brisbane to his World Cup heroics and Ashes redemption, Woakes has been a steady, reliable, and respected presence in English cricket for over a decade.
As he steps away from the international stage, the cricketing world salutes a true team man — a player who gave his all every time he wore the Three Lions.