Chris Woakes has brought his 15-year international cricket career to a close, with his final appearance coming in dramatic circumstances at The Oval last August. The Warwickshire cricketer walked out to bat with his arm in a sling, battling through the pain of a dislocated shoulder as spectators rose to their feet in appreciation.
While few players receive the ceremonial send-offs afforded to contemporaries like Stuart Broad or James Anderson, Woakes’ departure felt particularly fitting. It came at the same ground where he made his Test debut twelve years earlier, demonstrating the team-first mentality that defined his career.
At 36, with his central contract nearing expiration, retirement became the inevitable next step. Selection for upcoming tours had appeared uncertain even before his shoulder injury, despite his established role as the senior bowler following Anderson’s retirement.
Woakes’ career achievements would satisfy any professional cricketer’s ambitions. He claimed 192 Test wickets, scored more than 2,000 Test runs, contributed to two World Cup victories in 2019 and 2022, and earned the Compton-Miller medal as player of the series during the 2023 Ashes.
His career featured several iconic moments: a man-of-the-match performance in a World Cup semi-final against Australia at his home ground, scoring the winning runs in an Ashes Test at Headingley, and a century against India at Lord’s that secured his place on all three of the venue’s honours boards.
The Birmingham-born cricketer’s journey began in local clubs before progressing through Warwickshire’s academy system. Though his early international career encountered challenges, including periods of inconsistent form and injury concerns, a breakthrough season arrived in 2016 when he seized an opportunity created by Ben Stokes’ absence.
That summer transformed public perception, culminating in his recognition as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year. Supporters came to appreciate not just his on-field performances but the quiet professionalism and selfless attitude that underpinned them.
Woakes maintained his reputation as one of cricket’s most respected figures throughout his career, known for his family values and avoiding controversy. His only notable media misstep came when he carefully addressed a question about team selection during the 2019 World Cup buildup.
While his statistics in English conditions were particularly impressive, his final appearance provided a poignant conclusion to his international service. The standing ovation that accompanied his last walk to the crease acknowledged both the significance of the moment and the character of the man departing the stage.
