Gautam Gambhir’s Huge Tribute To England Pacer Chris Woakes Goes Viral | Cricket News

India men’s head coach Gautam Gambhir paid a powerful tribute to England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who called time on an excellent international career on Monday. Gambhir, who faced Woakes in his last Test series, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, said he’ll be remembered as ‘one of the bravest’ to play the sport.

Gambhir faced Woakes in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, which turned out to be the latter’s swan song. In the final Test at the Oval, Woakes dislocated his shoulder but came out to bat one-handed on the final day in a futile attempt to save the match and win England the series.

“The man with an iron will! You will be remembered as one of the bravest to ever walk the field Chris!

@chriswoakes” Gambhir wrote on X.

In his 15-year career, Woakes played 62 Tests, scoring 2034 runs and taking 192 wickets. The 36-year-old also appeared in 122 ODIs and 33 T20Is, with 1524 and 147 runs respectively, and took 204 wickets in white ball formats.

“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 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 said.

Woakes was part of England’s two ICC World Cup wins — the 2019 ODI World Cup at home and the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

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

Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “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 (James Anderson/Stuart Broad). A man who helped every team he played in, even before he walked onto the field.”

ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “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.”