Chris Woakes retires from international cricket with ‘the greatest pride’ after two World Cup wins with England - 'No regrets'
Updated 29/09/2025 at 12:45 GMT+1
England’s Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket. The fast bowler played 62 Tests for his country and was instrumental in two World Cup victories, across both ODI and T20 formats. The England seamer made his debut back in 2011 in Australia. He suffered a shoulder injury earlier this year against India.
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Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket.
The England seamer made his debut back in 2011 in Australia, and was instrumental in many great English sides.
But after suffering a shoulder injury in the incredible Test series this summer against India, there were doubts as to whether Woakes could find a route back into international cricket.
And those doubts have been put to rest by the man himself, who has chosen this moment to retire - although he will continue to play county cricket.
"The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket," Woakes said.
"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 team mates 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 possible, and those memories and celebrations with my team-mates will stay with me forever."
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Woakes took 192 wickets across his Test career, at an average of 29.61, and 173 ODI wickets.
He was also a handy lower-order batsman, with a Test century to his name earned against India at Lords in 2018.
He played an instrumental role in England’s successful World Cup campaign in 2019, too, being named player of the match in the semi-final against Australia thanks to a brilliant new ball spell that helped reduce the opposition to 14/3 and set up England's tilt for victory.
The last time Woakes was seen on the international stage will long be remembered as well, as he came out to bat injured against India on the final day of the five-match series.
With his arm in a sling and tucked under his jumper, Woakes did not have to face a ball but was forced to run between the wickets with England chasing victory - in the end falling just six runs short.
But Woakes’ bravery in coming out to bat will live long in the memory, providing a dramatic conclusion to a series many agreed was one of the best in recent memory.
"To the fans, especially the Barmy Army, thank you for the passion, the cheers and the belief, Woakes added.
"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."
Watch and stream the 2025 men’s Ashes series live on TNT Sports and discovery+. TNT Sports will also show England’s white-ball tours of New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
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