Double World Cup-winning all-rounder concludes his distinguished 14-year international career.
England all-rounder Chris Woakes has declared his departure from international cricket, concluding a distinguished 14-year career where he represented his nation across all three formats of the game.
The 36-year-old Woakes was not included in England`s Ashes squad recently, having struggled with fitness after dislocating his shoulder during the fifth Test against India in late July. Following this, Rob Key, England Men`s managing director, explicitly stated that Woakes was “not in our plans… at all,” prompting the veteran player to announce his retirement via Instagram.
His last appearance for England, spanning 62 Tests, 122 One Day Internationals, and 33 T20 Internationals, saw him valiantly come out to bat at number 11 in the Oval Test against India, his arm in a sling, in a futile effort to secure a series-clinching victory on the final day.
“The time has arrived, and I have chosen to retire from international cricket,” he stated. “As a child, I always dreamed of playing for England in my backyard, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have fulfilled those aspirations. Representing England, donning the Three Lions, and playing alongside teammates – many of whom are now lifelong friends – for the past 14 years are memories I will cherish with immense pride.”
He continued, “My debut in Australia in 2011 feels like yesterday; indeed, time passes quickly when you`re enjoying yourself. Winning two World Cups and participating in memorable Ashes series were achievements I never imagined possible, and these experiences and celebrations with my teammates will remain with me eternally.”
“To my parents, my wife Amie, and our daughters Laila and Evie, I extend my gratitude for your constant love, support, and sacrifices throughout the years. Your backing made everything possible.”
“To the fans, especially the Barmy Army, thank you for your enthusiasm, cheers, and faith. To my coaches, teammates, and all the support staff at both England and Warwickshire who assisted me in playing for my country – your mentorship and camaraderie have been invaluable.”
“I am eager to continue playing county cricket and to explore further franchise opportunities soon.”
Woakes, a two-time World Cup champion, earned the Player of the Series award during the 2023 Ashes, rejoining the squad mid-series to help salvage a draw after being 2-0 down. Nevertheless, his participation in the upcoming 2025-26 tour became uncertain the moment he left the field clutching his shoulder on the first day at The Oval.
Cumulatively, he claimed 396 wickets for England across all formats, placing him eighth historically. His most significant impact was in One Day Internationals, where he spearheaded the bowling attack that secured the 2019 World Cup, ultimately taking 173 wickets at an average of 30.01, making him the fifth-highest English wicket-taker in ODIs.
Woakes`s international career began during England`s 2010-11 tour of Australia, where he played two T20Is and three ODIs. Notably, in his second ODI in Brisbane, he was named Player of the Match for his outstanding figures of 6 for 45, which were then the second-best ever recorded by an England male cricketer in the format.
His Test debut occurred at The Oval during the 2013 Ashes, the same venue as his final match. For much of his career, he often found himself competing for a spot behind seasoned bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, though he ultimately achieved a superior average to both in home conditions.
His career truly took off in the summer of 2016, when he captured 34 wickets at an impressive average of 17.20 across six Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Two years later, he registered his sole Test century against India at Lord`s, having already established himself as the primary new-ball bowler in the ODI team.
Contributing significantly to England`s 2019 World Cup triumph, he took 16 wickets at 27.87, including an outstanding spell of 3 for 20 against Australia in the semi-final. His prowess in white-ball cricket led to his recall to the T20I squad two years later, where he played a crucial role in England`s 2022 World Cup victory in Australia.
More recently, after the retirements of Broad and Anderson, Woakes became a spearhead of the Test bowling attack, with 2024 emerging as his second-best year for wickets, securing 32 at an average of 24.09. Despite this, he struggled to make an impact against India this summer, taking just 11 wickets in five Tests before an injury sustained while fielding on the boundary line forced him out of the series decider – only for him to make a memorable return, arm strapped, prepared to bat left-handed if necessary.
Richard Thompson, Chairman of the ECB, commented: “The sight of Chris batting with his arm in a sling this summer, aiming to win a Test match, powerfully illustrated his dedication to playing for his country and being the ultimate teammate.”
“Off the field, he was a true gentleman, while on it, he possessed the talent and fierce resolve to win, consistently performing brilliantly with both bat and ball on the grandest stages. We cherish numerous special memories, from his superb new-ball bowling in the 2019 World Cup and the T20 World Cup victory in 2022, to his pivotal, series-altering contribution in the 2023 Men`s Ashes, which earned him the Player of the Series award.”
“We are profoundly grateful to have had players of Chris`s caliber represent England, and I wish to thank and congratulate him for all his contributions in an England shirt over the past 14 years.”
Rob Key further remarked: “Chris Woakes stands out as one of cricket`s truly exceptional individuals. He forged a remarkable career, often playing alongside two of England`s greatest bowlers. He was a person who positively impacted every team he was part of, even before stepping onto the pitch.”
