Additionally, Chris Woakes confirmed his retirement from international cricket. To his many proponents, he’s been the central figure upon which England’s cricketing success has relied on for the last decade. Then in 2011, he made his T20 international debut for England. He was a major figure in the recently completed five-Test series against India in the summer of 2023, leading his team to a gritty 2-2 drawn series.
Shane Woakes’ impact on the England cricket team has been nothing short of phenomenal. The 2023 Ashes series saw him play a major role. In doing so, he took 19 wickets, amassing a mind-boggling average of 18.14 over three matches. His extraordinary tournament put him on the world cricket map and was awarded the Compton-Miller Medal for his impact on the tournament.
Woakes glimmers like gold, as one of only six England cricketers to win both the World Cups and the Ashes. As it turns out, this achievement pretty much guarantees his legacy in the sport. He was an integral part of the England side that lifted the 50-over World Cup in 2019. In 2022 he was instrumental in landing them their first T20 World Cup triumph. His inclusion makes him one of just four men to have played in both finals. This accomplishment showcases just how remarkably versatile and dominant he is in all formats.
Perhaps most importantly, he has an incredibly strong Test career record. In total, he has bagged 192 wickets with a batting average of 29.61 along with 2,034 runs with the bat averaging 25.11. In ODIs he has been equally prolific, with 173 ODI wickets and 1,524 ODI runs. In T20s, he’s done some amazing things too, 31 wickets and 147 runs. His home average of 23.87 in Tests is lower than that of legendary fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad. This statistic is further highlighted by his remarkable talent on home soil.
In a poignant reflection on his career, Chris Woakes explained that he feels incredibly fortunate to have travelled the path that he has.
“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.” – Chris Woakes
The true riches, he noted, had come through the friendships and experiences he’d gained over his long tenure with the team, in saying,
“Representing England, wearing the Three Lions and sharing the field with team-mates over the last 15 years, many of whom have become lifelong friends, are things I’ll look back on with the greatest pride.” – Chris Woakes
Woakes’ career has been one of grit and hard work. One of those particularly memorable instances came just last week in the ongoing series against India. He strode out to the crease with one arm in a sling, illustrating his tremendous devotion to the team. Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Richard Thompson, described this moment as a fitting tribute to Woakes’ character.
“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.” – Richard Thompson
Woakes made his Test debut during the final match of the 2013 Ashes series, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey alongside some of England’s greatest bowlers. In looking back on the past decade since his musical introduction, he recognized just how fast the time has flown.
“Making my debut in 2011 in Australia seems like yesterday, but time flies when you’re having fun.” – Chris Woakes
As Chris Woakes hangs up his international cricket boots, his legacy is a towering one. His successes and leadership have had such a positive influence on the game and English cricket. Ricky’s commitment to the sport and his team will never be forgotten and will always be an example for all generations to come.
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