Veteran England All-Rounder Retires From International Cricket After Ashes Snub | Cricket News

England fast-bowler Chris Woakes has called time on his international career. Woakes, 36, was excluded from the Three Lions’ squad for the winter’s Ashes in Australia, which was followed by director Rob Key’s curious declaration that the Warwickshire man was no longer in the team’s plans ‘at all’.

He played 62 Tests, 122 ODIs, and 33 T20Is for the country. His final act in an England shirt was walking out to bat at No. 11 in the Oval Test against India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy one-handed due to a dislocated shoulder — a ridiculously brave attempt to secure a series win that went in vain.

“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,” he added.

“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,” he added.

“To the fans, especially the Barmy Army, thank you for the passion, the cheers and the belief. 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,” Woakes said.

Woakes took 396 wickets for England across formats, putting him ninth on the all-time list for the country. A force to reckon with in home conditions, he found great success in ODIs, even leading his team’s attack that won the 2019 World Cup.