On Monday, September 29, in a sudden move, England all-rounder Chris Woakes
announced retirement from international cricket. The England pacer, who last featured in the five-match Test series against India at home, took to X to bid adieu to cricket across all formats. After making his debut for The Three Lions in 2011, the England international calls it quits having played 62 Tests, 122 ODIs and 33 T20Is.Although, all of it came in an unexpected manner, but several have claimed that Woakes retirement comes after his snub from the squad for the upcoming five-match Ashes series, set to be played from November 2025 Down Under. As he puts down curtains to his international career, he concludes having won the Cricket World Cup 2019 and T20 World Cup 2022,
along with being crowned the Player of the Series in Ashes 2023.
Pleasue has all been mine, no regrets: Chris Woakes sums up international retirement
Taking to X, in an elaborate post, he wrote, “The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket. 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. Representing England, wearing the Three Lions and sharing the field with teammates over the last 15 years, many of whom have become lifelong friends, are things I'll look back on with the greatest pride.”
The 36-year-old further went on to extend his gratitude to all who have been part of his 15-year long career, including his teammates, coaches, family, friends and fans while he recalled his career. While he puts an end to his international cricketing career, he aims to continue playing county cricket.
“I look forward to continuing to play county cricket and exploring more franchise opportunities in the near future,” he clarified, keeping doors open for County cricket as well as franchise leagues.
