England All-Rounder Chris Woakes Announces Retirement from International Cricket

England fast bowler Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from all international cricket through a post on social media on Monday. The 36-year-old, known for his steady medium pace, last represented England in the Oval Test against India.

In that match, he won hearts when he walked out to bat despite having his arm in a sling after a shoulder injury. Woakes made his England debut in a T20I game against Australia in 2011, but made his name as a reliable red-ball bowler, expecially in the swinging conditions in his home country.

Chris Woakes Retires from International Cricket After 12-Year Career

Over a career that spanned 12 years, Woakes played 62 Test matches for England, taking 192 wickets at an average of 29.61.

With the bat, he scored 2,034 runs, which included one century and seven half-centuries. Woakes was part of the England team that triumphed in the 2019 World Cup at home, picking 16 wickets in 11 matches, including three in the semifinal against Australia. He took three more in the final as his side came out victorious against New Zealand on boundary count after a tied Super Over.

Woakes to focus on county and franchise cricket

He was also a member of the England team that lifted the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.

“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 and I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived out those dreams,” he said in his statement.

“I look forward to continuing to play county cricket and exploring more franchise opportunities in the near future,” the pacer added.

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