Chris Woakes Retires From International Cricket

Veteran England fast bowler Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket following his omission from the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia later this year. The 36-year-old described it as the right moment to step away, adding that he feels extremely fortunate to have represented England for so long.

Woakes’ final moment on the international stage was his courageous walk to the crease on Day 5 of the Oval Test against India earlier this year, batting with a sling on his arm. Despite England narrowly losing the match by six runs, his determination to play through intense pain earned widespread praise from fans and former players alike.

In an official retirement statement, the right-arm seamer said, as quoted by the ECB website:

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

“Chris Woakes Not In Our Plans For Now”- England Cricket Managing Director

After revealing the Ashes squad, England men’s cricket managing director Robert Key stated that the experienced fast bowler was facing difficulties regaining full fitness in time for the series. He also noted that Woakes’ age played a role in the decision to step away from the player. Key told ESPNcricinfo:

“It’s been as tough a time for someone, I think, in cricket terms, the timing of it (the shoulder dislocation) as much as anything else, and the chance of reoccurence for the immediate future for Chris Woakes. He was running out of time to be ready for the start for the Ashes. And then once you get out of an Ashes series, you’re often looking at the next cycle, really. So Chris Woakes isn’t in our plans at the minute… at all.”