England seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes on Monday announced his retirement from international cricket.
Woakes announced his decision taking to social media, stating, “The moment has come, and I’ve decided the time is right for me to retire from international cricket.”
He added, “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.”
Having featured in 217 games for England across all formats of the game since his debut in 2011, Woakes amassed a total of 396 wickets, in addition to 3705 runs with the willow.
The 36-year-old last featured for England during their ICC World Test Championship series finale against India at home earlier this summer.
The outing saw a heroic display from Woakes, battling a shoulder dislocation, come out and bat for England on the final day of the Test with one arm in a sling.
“Representing England, wearing the Three Lions and sharing the field with teammates over the last 15 years, many of whom have become life long friends, are things I look back on with greatest pride,” Woakes added.
“Making my debut in 2011 in Australia seems like yesterday, but time flies when you are 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.”
The all-rounder was a vital member of England’s 2019 World Cup-winning team, playing a key role with both bat and ball. He contributed 134 runs in the tournament and picked up 16 wickets, three of which came in the final against New Zealand.
Woakes also added a T20 World Cup title with England to his name in 2022, when he helped England to a memorable triumph in Australia.
