The internet is buzzing with tributes to English fast bowler Chris Woakes following his retirement from international cricket. On Monday (September 29), the 36-year-old took to Instagram to announce his exit from the highest level of the game. This development comes a few days after England's chairman of selectors Rob Key had publicly revealed that Woakes wasn't in their plans from now on. Meanwhile, cricket fans across the internet continued to pour their love and wishes for the outgoing Woakes.
Amongst the plethora of wishes was a big one from India's head coach Gautam Gambhir. While India are still celebrating their Asia Cup title after beating Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (September 28), Gambhir took time out to post a heart-warming post on X for Woakes. It must be noted that the Englishman's last game in international cricket was The Oval Test against India.
It was a game where he battled injury to come out to bat at no.11, ready to bat one-handed if needed, in an attempt to get England across the line. That, however, didn't materialise as the well-set Gus Atkinson was bowled by Mohammed Siraj to set up a famous Indian win, thereby ending the five-match series level at 2-2.
However, the whole cricketing world was in awe of Woakes's courage that day. The fact that he chose to walk out to bat despite having a major shoulder dislocation, knowing that he couldn't use that hand at all, showed the character of Woakes who always put everything on the line whenever he took the field for any team he played, more so England. Gambhir's post had just one sentence but it summed up Woakes perfectly.
'The man with an iron will! You will be remembered as one of the bravest to ever walk the field Chris!
@chriswoakes," wrote Gambhir on X.
Woakes suffered the shoulder injury in the first innings of that Test at The Oval and took no further part with the ball in the game. The whole series, however, was underwhelming for Woakes as he picked up just 11 wickets at a poor average of 52 and strike rate of 98. He was a pale shadow if his usual self, considering the monster he used to be in English conditions.
This injury and the fact that England's immediate assignments were away from home, meant that Woakes wasn't picked for the Ashes series in Australia. Key's statement further added to Woakes's mind and he didn't waste time in making the big call. He will, however, continue to be active in franchise cricket across the globe.