Chris Woakes retires from international duty: 'I'll look back with the greatest pride'
By
SABC Sport
29th September 2025
Chris Woakes says he feels "incredibly fortunate" to have represented England after announcing his retirement from international cricket after being omitted from the Ashes squad.
The 36-year-old brings the curtain down on a 15-year England career that saw him play 62 Test matches, 122 ODIs and 33 T20 Internationals.
Woakes played his final Test against India at the Oval in July, when he walked in to bat at number 11 with his arm in a sling, in an attempt to help secure a series-sealing victory on the fifth day after dislocating his shoulder while fielding.
Following the Ashes squad announcement, Rob Key, England Men's managing director, said afterwards that Woakes "isn't in our plans... at all".
Woakes was part of the England side that won the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, while he took 396 wickets and scored 3 705 runs in 217 international matches across all three formats.
In a statement on social media, he wrote: "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.
"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.
"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.
"To the fans, especially the Barmy Army, thank you for the passion, the cheers and the belief. To my coaches, team-mates 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."
