England’s star all-rounder Chris Woakes has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a 15-year journey that brought him two World Cup titles, countless memorable spells, and the reputation of being one of England’s most reliable match-winners.
The 36-year-old confirmed his decision through a heartfelt social media post, admitting that “the moment had arrived” and that it was the right time to step away. The decision comes shortly after he was left out of the Ashes 2025 squad and following a shoulder injury sustained during the India Test series at The Oval in July.
Woakes’ final international outing came against India, where he injured his shoulder in the fifth Test. Despite the pain, he came out to bat at No. 11 with a strapped shoulder, earning praise for his grit and courage. However, the injury proved costly—ruling him out of the Ashes 2025-26 and ultimately forcing him to call time on his England career.
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England’s managing director Rob Key had also admitted recently that Woakes was “not in future plans,” signaling that the selectors were moving forward without him.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Chris Woakes leaves behind a glittering legacy:
- World Cup Winner (2019 ODI & 2022 T20I): One of only five players to be part of both campaigns.
- Ashes Hero: Won the Compton-Miller Medal in 2023 Ashes, finishing as England’s standout performer.
- Consistency at Home: Particularly lethal in English conditions, averaging 23.47 with the ball at home in Tests.
- Versatile All-Rounder: Scored over 3,700 international runs and took nearly 400 wickets across formats.
Chris Woakes’ International Career in Numbers
| Format | Matches | Runs | HS | Bat Avg | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowl Avg | 5W/10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 62 | 1,940 | 137* | 27.00 | 192 | 6/17 | 29.00 | 5 / 0 |
| ODIs | 122 | 1,317 | 95* | 25.82 | 173 | 6/45 | 30.00 | 3 / 0 |
| T20Is | 33 | 448 | 37 | 17.22 | 31 | 3/20 | 28.00 | 0 / 0 |
| Overall | 217 | 3,705 | 137* | 26.50 | 396 | 6/17 | 29.00 | 8 / 0 |
Emotional Farewell
In his farewell note, Woakes thanked his family, fans, and teammates, particularly his wife Amy and daughters Laila and Evie, for their unwavering support. He reflected on how playing for England had been his childhood dream and expressed pride in wearing the Three Lions jersey for more than a decade.
“Two World Cup wins, Ashes memories, and lifelong friendships—these are things I’ll cherish forever,” Woakes wrote.
While his international career is over, Woakes confirmed that he will continue to play county cricket and franchise leagues around the world. With his experience and skills, he is expected to remain a valuable figure in domestic and T20 competitions.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir also paid tribute to Woakes, calling him “a man of great courage and strong will,” recalling his determination to bat despite a dislocated shoulder.
The man with an iron will! You will be remembered as one of the bravest to ever walk the field Chris! @chriswoakes pic.twitter.com/bnaCi31GSa
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 29, 2025
Chris Woakes’ retirement closes the chapter on one of England’s finest modern all-rounders. From World Cup glory to Ashes heroics and unflinching bravery on the field, Woakes has left an indelible mark on cricket. Though his international journey ends here, fans will continue to see him shine in county and league cricket.
