England all-rounder Chris Woakes has retired from international cricket, making the news official on Monday, September 29 via a social media post.
Having played for England for 14 years, Woakes' last international fixture came during the fifth Test against India during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, a match remembered for his courage and grit to come out to bat with a fractured arm on the final day. Notably, the cricketer has expressed that he felt privileged to be part of the English cricketing
circles ever since his international debut and that he will cherish the moment with a great pride and honour.
"The moment has come, and I've decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket," Woakes wrote in an announcement on his official Instagram handle.
"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," he added.
Lifting two World Cups was amazing: Woakes
Notably, the pace-bowling all-rounder made his debut against Australia in Australia, during the Ashes of 2011. In his storied career for England, he was also part of the squads that won the famous ODI World Cup in 2019 followed by the 2022 T20 World Cup win, which the Three Lions won under the captaincy of Jos Buttler. Woakes has further clarified that he will continue playing domestic cricket with his county side — Warwickshire.
"Making my debut in 2011 in Australia seems like yesterday, but time flies when you're 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," Woakes said further.
"To the fans, especially the Barmy Army, thank you for the passion, the cheers and the belief. To my coaches, teammates and everyone behind the scenes - both with England and Warwickshire, who helped me play for my country - your guidance and friendship has meant the world. I look forward to continuing to play county cricket and exploring more franchise opportunities in the near future," he concluded.
