After not being selected for the upcoming Ashes series, Chris Woakes has officially declared his retirement from international cricket. The 36-year-old allrounder, who expressed a desire to continue playing, made the decision to end his nearly 15-year career following a shoulder injury that prevented his inclusion in the England squad to face Australia.
Woakes sustained a shoulder dislocation during the final Test against India at the Oval, leading to his exclusion from the Ashes squad. Over his 62 Tests for England, he claimed 192 wickets and scored 2,034 runs. Woakes was also a pivotal member of the teams that secured the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
In a social media post, Woakes expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent England, a childhood dream come true. He reminisced about his debut in 2011 in Australia, highlighting his involvement in winning two World Cups and engaging in memorable Ashes contests that he never envisioned.
Woakes extended his appreciation to his family for their support and sacrifices, acknowledging that his achievements would not have been possible without them. He also thanked the fans, particularly the Barmy Army, and his teammates and coaches for their guidance and camaraderie both at the national and county level.
His retirement decision came after Rob Key, England’s managing director of cricket, indicated that Woakes was not being considered for the Ashes squad due to timing concerns surrounding his shoulder injury. Key praised Woakes’ contribution to English cricket, highlighting his professionalism and impact on the field alongside legendary bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Beyond his Test career, Woakes amassed 204 wickets in 155 limited-overs matches, aiding England in securing World Cup victories in both formats. Known for his consistent performances, Woakes was honored as the player of the series during the 2023 Ashes and proved to be a reliable asset across all three formats for his country.
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