Key Points

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has called time on his international career after 14 years representing his country. The 36-year-old announced his retirement via social media, reflecting on achieving childhood dreams of playing for England. During his distinguished career, Woakes won two World Cup titles and became England's eighth-highest wicket-taker of all time. While stepping away from international duty, he plans to continue playing county cricket and explore franchise opportunities worldwide.

Key Points: Chris Woakes Retires From England Cricket After 14-Year Career

  • Won two World Cup titles with England in 2019 and 2022 campaigns
  • Played 217 international matches taking 396 wickets across all formats
  • Scored 2,034 Test runs with one century and seven fifties
  • Will continue playing county cricket while exploring franchise opportunities
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England all-rounder Chris Woakes announces retirement from international cricket

England all-rounder Chris Woakes announces international retirement after 217 matches, two World Cup titles, and 396 wickets. Will continue playing county and franchise cricket.

"The moment has come, and I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international cricket. - Chris Woakes"

London, September 29

England all-rounder announced his international cricket retirement on Monday, bringing down the curtain on a 14-year-long career which saw him win two World Cup titles and feature in 217 international matches for England. The all-rounder is still open to playing county cricket and franchise cricket in several leagues worldwide.

Woakes announced his decision on his social media, stating, as quoted by the ICC, "The moment has come, and I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international cricket."

He added, "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 will look back on with the greatest pride."

Woakes also said that making his debut against Australia back in 2011 "feels like yesterday".

"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. To my Mum and Dad, my wife Amie and our girls Laila and Evie, thank you for your unwavering love, support and sacrifices over the years. None of this would have been possible without you," he continued.

"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.

Having featured in 217 games for England across all formats of the game since his debut in 2011, Woakes amassed a total of 396 wickets, in addition to 3,705 runs with the willow. Across all formats, he is England's eighth-highest wicket-taker of all time.

He was particularly prolific in Tests, scoring 2,034 runs at an average of 25.11, with a century and seven fifties in 62 Tests and 99 innings, and 192 wickets at an average of 29.61, five five-wicket hauls and a ten-wicket hauls. He featured in England's ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and ICC T20 World Cup 2022 title-winning campaigns.

Woakes was extremely well-known for his excellence in home conditions, taking 148 wickets in 39 Tests at an average of 23.87 and five fifers and a ten-fer and scoring 1,275 runs at an average of 27.71, with a century and six fifties in 59 innings.

The 36-year-old last featured for England during their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, which started with a home series against India earlier this summer. The outing saw a heroic display from Woakes, battling a shoulder dislocation, come out and bat for England on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval with one arm in a sling.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
End of an era! Woakes was such a reliable all-rounder. His stats in home conditions are incredible - 148 Test wickets at 23.87 average. Always respected how he performed consistently without much hype. Hope to see him in IPL next season! 🇮🇳🤝🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
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Michael C
As an England fan living in India, this hits hard. Woakes was the unsung hero of our team. That 2019 World Cup final and his partnership with Stokes will forever be legendary. Glad he's continuing domestic cricket though!
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Ananya R
Respect for Woakes! 217 international matches and two World Cups is an amazing achievement. Though I must say, his overseas record wasn't as strong as home performances. Still, a great servant to English cricket. Wishing him happy retirement!
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Sarah B
The dedication shown in that final Test against India, batting with a dislocated shoulder... that's the spirit of cricket! Woakes embodied what it means to play for your country. Hope Indian franchises pick him up for T20 leagues.
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Vikram M
️396 wickets and 3700+ runs across formats - proper all-rounder numbers! His swing bowling in English conditions was always a nightmare for visiting teams. Would love to see him mentor young Indian pacers if he comes for franchise cricket.

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