Chris Woakes calls time on international career after 15 years with England

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a decorated career that spanned more than a decade. The 36-year-old confirmed the news on Monday, September 29, just days after being overlooked for the Ashes squad in Australia.

Woakes, who made his international debut in 2011 during England’s limited-overs tour of Australia, went on to represent his country in 62 Tests, 122 ODIs and 33 T20Is. Along the way, he became a double World Cup winner lifting the ODI crown in 2019 and the T20 title in 2022, and was named Player of the Series in the 2023 home Ashes after inspiring England’s comeback against Australia.

Chris Woakes retires after 15 years as one of England’s most reliable all-rounders

“The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket,” Woakes said in a heartfelt statement. “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.”

A dependable new-ball bowler and more than useful batter, Woakes carved out a reputation as one of England’s most reliable all-rounders. He finishes his Test career with 192 wickets, including match-winning spells such as his 11 for 102 against Pakistan at Lord’s and six for 17 against Ireland at the same ground. With the bat, his unbeaten 137 against India at Lord’s in 2018 remains one of his most cherished moments in an England shirt.

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In one-day internationals, Woakes took 173 wickets, with his standout performance coming on debut when he bagged six for 45 against Australia in Brisbane. His calm presence under pressure also made him a vital part of England’s white-ball revival post-2015, culminating in their historic World Cup win at Lord’s in 2019.

His final international appearance came in the Oval Test against India, where he dislocated his shoulder but still returned to bat with his arm in a sling on the last day. It proved to be a fitting snapshot of his character gritty, selfless and willing to put the team first.

The England all-rounder will continue in county and franchise cricket

England Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson paid tribute, saying: “The images of Chris walking out to bat with his arm in a sling reflected how much he cared about playing for his country and being the best teammate he could be. He has been a gentleman off the field, with the skills and fierce determination to win on it, regularly rising to the occasion on the biggest stage with both bat and ball.”

While Woakes has stepped away from the international stage, he will continue to represent Warwickshire in county cricket and has already signed up with MI Emirates for the upcoming ILT20 season, keeping the door open for more franchise opportunities.

Reflecting on his journey, Woakes summed it up with humility: “Pleasure has all been mine, no regrets.”