Chris Woakes has bowed out, 217 matches, 62 Tests, after a blunt dismissal by England’s management.
The former pacer’s career spanned from 2012 to 2025, with 62 Test wickets and 217 caps across all formats.
The blow came when MD Rob Key announced on 15 October 2025 that Woakes was no longer in England’s plans, a message that left fans stunned.
Woakes, who had a shoulder injury during the Oval Test, said the announcement felt "cold" and "shabby," though he refrained from calling out Key outright.
England’s fast‑bowling unit now faces a gap as they prepare for the upcoming Ashes series, with only a handful of pace options left at the top level.
The England squad will test the new pacers in the final Test against Australia before the series kicks off.