Gautam Gambhir pays tribute to just-retired Chris Woakes

Former Indian cricketer and current national head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed admiration for English all-rounder Chris Woakes following his decision to retire from international cricket. Gambhir acknowledged the Warwickshire seamer’s tremendous passion for the sport and his relentless commitment all through his career. According to Gambhir, Woakes symbolized the virtues every professional athlete should possess —discipline, loyalty, and consistency. The 36-year-old, who last featured in the fifth Test against India at The Oval and missed out on selection for the Ashes in Australia, stated that he will keep playing county cricket while also exploring opportunities in franchise leagues.

“The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket,” Woakes said in a 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.” said Woakes. Some of his teammates like Joe Root and James Anderson were recently spotted at the Wimbledon, and for more such tennis-related information you can visit boylesports tennis.

“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, teammates and everyone behind the scenes – both with England and Warwickshire – 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,” added Woakes, who made his international debut in January 2011 during England’s white-ball tour of Australia, partaking in both T20Is and ODIs. His Test debut came two years later, in the last Ashes Test at The Oval, where he replaced the injured Tim Bresnan.

Across 62 Tests, Woakes bagged 192 wickets, with his best match figures of 11 for 102 against Pakistan at Lord’s and best innings figures of 6 for 17 against Ireland transpiring at the same venue. An aesthetically pleasing batter, he had one Test century to his credit apart from seven fifties. In ODIs, Woakes earned 122 caps, taking 173 wickets, with a career-best 6 for 45 against Australia in Brisbane during his debut series. He also represented England in 33 T20Is, picking up 31 wickets.