England all-rounder Chris Woakes has officially announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, September 29, 2025, ending a distinguished 15-year career across all formats. The 36-year-old’s decision follows his omission from England’s Ashes squad due to a dislocated shoulder injury sustained at The Oval against India, with managing director Rob Key confirming Woakes was no longer in future plans. In an emotional social media statement, the Warwickshire stalwart said: “The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket.”
Table of Contents
International Career Overview: A Journey Spanning Three Formats
Chris Woakes’ international career began on January 12, 2011, when he made his T20I debut against Australia in Adelaide, announcing his arrival by hitting the winning runs in a thrilling one-wicket victory. Just 11 days later, he made his ODI debut against the same opponents in Sydney, and in only his second match at Brisbane, delivered a stunning performance of 6/45—still the best ODI bowling figures by an Englishman in a losing cause.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Runs | Centuries | Bowling Average | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Cricket | 62 | 192 | 2,034 | 1 | 29.61 | 25.11 |
| ODI | 122 | 173 | 1,524 | 0 | 30.01 | 17.35 |
| T20I | 33 | 31 | 146 | 0 | 29.25 | 8.62 |
| Overall | 217 | 396 | 3,704 | 1 | 29.69 | 19.41 |
Woakes represented England in 62 Tests, 122 ODIs, and 33 T20Is during his career, accumulating 396 wickets across all formats and scoring 3,704 runs.
His versatility as a genuine all-rounder made him invaluable to England’s bowling and batting lineups, particularly in home conditions where he excelled with both ball and bat.
Test Cricket Mastery: The Home Specialist
Chris Woakes cemented his reputation as one of England’s most potent seam bowlers in home conditions, boasting a Test bowling average of 23.47 from 148 wickets at home—a figure that surpassed even the career averages of legendary English bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad on English soil. This remarkable home record established Woakes as the perfect weapon for England’s Test cricket campaigns on familiar territory.
Test Cricket Home vs Away Performance:
| Venue | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Figures | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home (England) | 42 | 148 | 23.47 | 6/17 | 4 |
| Away | 20 | 44 | 48.86 | 4/38 | 1 |
The statistics reveal a fascinating dichotomy in Woakes’ Test career—while he was virtually unplayable in English conditions with the Dukes ball, he struggled to replicate that success overseas with the Kookaburr ball. Despite this disparity, his contributions at home were so significant that England consistently selected him as a cornerstone of their home Test attack.
Woakes’ mastery was famously exhibited at Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, where he became one of only ten players in history to secure a spot on all three honours boards: achieving a century (137 not out vs India, 2018), a five-wicket haul, and a ten-wicket match haul (11/102 vs Pakistan, 2016). This extraordinary feat at the sport’s most prestigious venue encapsulated his ability to deliver with both bat and ball when it mattered most.
Career-Defining Moments and Achievements
The 2016 Breakthrough Summer
By the start of 2016, Woakes feared his Test career might be over at age 27 after six Tests with a dispiriting average of 63.75. However, a knee injury to Ben Stokes gave him another opportunity against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street, igniting what would become a golden summer that transformed his career trajectory.
Against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2016, Woakes claimed 11 wickets for 102 runs, becoming the first England bowler since Ian Botham in 1978 to take a five-wicket haul in each innings of a Test at the ground. His 26 wickets at 16.73 in that series represented a record for any England-Pakistan Test series. This breakthrough performance earned him recognition as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year and established him as a permanent fixture in England’s Test setup.
2019 Cricket World Cup Triumph
Woakes played a crucial role in England’s maiden World Cup victory in 2019, with his most impactful performance coming in the semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston, where he helped reduce the opposition to 14 for 3 with an exceptional new-ball spell. He followed up with three more wickets in the final against New Zealand.
Chris Woakes World Cup Achievements:
| Tournament | Year | Format | Key Performance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket World Cup | 2019 | ODI | Semi-final POTM vs Australia | Winner |
| T20 World Cup | 2022 | T20I | Key bowling contributor | Winner |
His contributions throughout the tournament, particularly his ability to extract movement with the new ball in English conditions, proved invaluable to England’s first-ever World Cup success in the 50-over format.
2023 Ashes Heroics
Woakes’ Test career reached its pinnacle during the 2023 Ashes series, where he entered with England trailing 2-0 and delivered a series-changing performance. He took 19 wickets across the remaining matches to secure a 2-2 draw, earning the prestigious Compton-Miller Medal as Player of the Series. This late-career resurgence demonstrated his enduring quality and competitive spirit when England needed him most.
The 2023 Ashes performance was particularly significant as it came after the retirements of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, with Woakes effectively becoming England’s senior fast bowler at age 34. His ability to lead the attack and deliver crucial breakthroughs showcased the leadership qualities that made him such a valued teammate throughout his career.
All-Round Contributions: More Than Just a Bowler
While Chris Woakes is primarily remembered for his bowling prowess, his batting contributions were equally significant, particularly in Test cricket where he operated as a genuine all-rounder batting at number eight.
Chris Woakes Batting Highlights:
| Achievement | Details | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Century | 137 not out | India at Lord’s | 2018 |
| Test Half-Centuries | 7 | Various opponents | 2013-2025 |
| Highest ODI Score | 95 not out (joint 2nd highest by No. 8 or lower) | Sri Lanka | 2016 |
| Test Batting Average | 25.11 | Across 62 matches | 2013-2025 |
His unbeaten 95 against Sri Lanka in 2016 stands as the joint-highest ODI score by a number eight batsman or lower in ODI history, a record he shares with fellow Englishman Sam Curran. This knock, which helped England recover from 92 for 6 in pursuit of 287 to achieve an unlikely tie at Trent Bridge, exemplified his ability to rescue England from precarious positions.
Woakes scored his maiden Test century against India at Lord’s in August 2018, an unbeaten 137 that showcased his technical proficiency and temperament. The innings demonstrated that he possessed the skills to be more than just a tail-end contributor, regularly frustrating opposition attacks with valuable lower-order partnerships.
The Injury That Ended It All: Final Act of Bravery
Woakes’ international career concluded with an act of extraordinary bravery and commitment during the fifth Test against India at The Oval in July 2025. After dislocating his shoulder while fielding on the first day, he was ruled out of the match but returned to bat on the fifth day—walking out at number 11 with his left arm in a sling, attempting to help secure a series-sealing victory.
Though England ultimately fell short by six runs, the image of Woakes battling one-handed became an enduring symbol of his dedication to the Three Lions. ECB chair Richard Thompson reflected: “The images of Chris walking out to bat with his arm in a sling to try and win a Test match this summer reflected how much he cared about playing for his country and being the best team-mate he could be.“
This shoulder injury, which would require significant rehabilitation time, ultimately ruled him out of contention for England’s Ashes tour to Australia later in 2025. When England announced their squad without including Woakes, and Rob Key publicly stated the all-rounder was not in future plans, the writing was on the wall for his international career.
Tributes Pour In: Respect from Cricket Community
The announcement of Chris Woakes’ retirement prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates, administrators, and cricket personalities, reflecting the universal respect he commanded throughout his career.
Rob Key, England’s managing director, paid tribute: “Chris Woakes is one of the finest people to have played the game. An extraordinary career carved out alongside two of England’s greatest-ever bowlers. A man who helped every team he played in, even before he walked on to the field.”
Key’s comment about Woakes thriving “alongside two of England’s greatest-ever bowlers” referenced his career coinciding with James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s dominance of English cricket. Rather than being overshadowed, Woakes carved out his own niche as the perfect third seamer, complementing the legendary duo with his own unique skill set.
England teammate Mark Wood wrote: “Usually I think messaging privately is best but for this I think everyone who reads it deserves to know what a brilliant bloke and player you were to play alongside. Nearly all of my greatest cricketing moments have had you in it in some way shape or form. You’ll be a huge miss for the team and for me personally. You did England proud mate!”
Former England captain Jos Buttler added his voice to the tributes, stating: “What a career mate and what a man!! An honour to play with you.“
Franchise Cricket and Domestic Success
Beyond international cricket, Chris Woakes enjoyed considerable success in franchise leagues and domestic cricket, particularly representing his beloved Warwickshire throughout his career.
Chris Woakes Franchise Cricket Career:
| Team | League | Years | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL | 2017 | 17 wickets in 13 matches, best figures 3/6 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | IPL | 2018 | 8 wickets in 5 matches |
| Delhi Capitals | IPL | 2021 | Limited appearances |
| Punjab Kings | IPL | 2024 | Released before 2025 season |
| Birmingham Phoenix | The Hundred | 2022-2025 | Regular performer |
Woakes made his first-class debut for Warwickshire in 2006 as a 17-year-old and claimed his 200th first-class wicket for the county in their victory over Sussex in July 2011. His loyalty to Warwickshire remained constant throughout his international career, with the county always serving as his home base.
In his retirement statement, Woakes expressed his intention to continue playing: “I look forward to continuing to play county cricket and exploring more franchise opportunities in the near future.” This suggests that while his international days are over, cricket fans may yet see him representing Warwickshire and potentially other franchise teams around the world.
Statistical Legacy and Historical Context
Chris Woakes retires as the eighth-highest wicket-taker in England’s history across all formats, with 396 international wickets placing him in elite company. His most enduring contribution was in ODIs, where he finished with 173 wickets at 30.01—the fifth-most by an Englishman in that format.
Chris Woakes Among England’s All-Time Leading Wicket-Takers:
| Rank | Player | Total Wickets | Test Wickets | ODI Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Anderson | 704 | 704 | 269 |
| 2 | Stuart Broad | 604 | 604 | 178 |
| 8 | Chris Woakes | 396 | 192 | 173 |
Woakes belonged to the elite club of players with 1,000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches in ODI cricket, showcasing his all-round contributions to England’s limited-overs success. This rare combination of skills made him one of the most complete cricketers of his generation.
His Test record of 192 wickets at 29.61, combined with 2,034 runs at 25.11 including one century and seven half-centuries, firmly establishes him among England’s finest all-rounders. He finished with five five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, demonstrating his ability to bowl long spells and dismantle opposition batting lineups.
Personality and Character: The Complete Professional
Beyond statistics and achievements, Chris Woakes was universally respected for his professionalism, humility, and team-first attitude. Ashley Giles, Warwickshire’s director of cricket, once admitted he would like to “clone” Woakes’ temperament as the template for all players.
Teammates knew him as “The Wizard,” a nickname that reflected both his ability to produce magical performances and his calm, composed demeanor under pressure. His unflappable nature made him the perfect crisis player—someone who could be relied upon whether England needed wickets, runs, or simply someone to hold an end.
Thompson’s tribute captured this quality: “He has been a gentleman off the field, with the skills and fierce determination to win on it, regularly rising to the occasion on the biggest stage with bat as well as ball.”
This combination of humility and fierce competitiveness defined Woakes’ approach throughout his career. He never sought the spotlight but consistently delivered when England needed him most, whether with crucial wickets, vital runs, or simply by being a calming presence in the dressing room.
The Road Ahead: Life After International Cricket
At 36 years old, Chris Woakes’ retirement from international cricket does not signal the end of his playing career. His expressed desire to continue representing Warwickshire and explore franchise opportunities suggests several more years of professional cricket lie ahead.
For Warwickshire, retaining Woakes’ services exclusively for domestic cricket represents a significant boost. His experience, skill, and leadership will prove invaluable in the County Championship and domestic limited-overs competitions. The county faithful can look forward to seeing their favorite son representing them with undivided focus.
The franchise circuit also remains open, with various T20 leagues potentially seeking his services. While his IPL involvement has been intermittent in recent years, other competitions such as The Hundred, where he has represented Birmingham Phoenix, could benefit from his vast experience and proven ability to perform under pressure.
A Career of Excellence and Dedication
Chris Woakes’ retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. His 15-year international career was characterized by unwavering dedication, consistent excellence in home conditions, crucial contributions with both bat and ball, and above all, an exemplary professionalism that earned universal respect.
From his early days as a promising Warwickshire youngster to becoming a two-time World Cup winner and Ashes hero, Woakes’ journey embodied the dreams of countless young cricketers. He faced setbacks—particularly in away conditions—but always responded with determination and dignity, ultimately carving out a legacy as one of England’s finest all-rounders.
As he transitions to the next phase of his career, focusing on domestic cricket and franchise opportunities, Woakes leaves international cricket with his head held high. His final image—walking out to bat with his arm in a sling, desperate to help England win—will forever symbolize the commitment and courage that defined his career.
England cricket will miss Chris Woakes’ swing bowling, handy batting, and calming presence. But as his statistics and achievements demonstrate, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of English cricketers to dream big and play with pride.
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FAQs
When did Chris Woakes retire from international cricket?
Chris Woakes announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, September 29, 2025, after being omitted from England’s Ashes squad due to a dislocated shoulder injury and being told he was no longer in England’s future plans.
How many Test matches did Chris Woakes play for England?
Chris Woakes played 62 Test matches for England between 2013 and 2025, taking 192 wickets at an average of 29.61 and scoring 2,034 runs including one century and seven half-centuries.
What World Cups did Chris Woakes win with England?
Chris Woakes was part of England’s triumphant squads in the 2019 Cricket World Cup (ODI format) and the 2022 T20 World Cup, making him one of only six players to feature in both championship-winning teams.
What is Chris Woakes’ best Test bowling performance?
Chris Woakes’ best Test match bowling figures were 11 wickets for 102 runs against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2016, when he became the first England bowler since Ian Botham in 1978 to take five-wicket hauls in both innings at the ground.
Will Chris Woakes continue playing cricket after retirement?
Yes, Chris Woakes stated in his retirement announcement that he looks forward to continuing to play county cricket for Warwickshire and exploring more franchise cricket opportunities around the world.
