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Chris Woakes’ long and successful England career has ended in disappointing fashion, with the experienced fast bowler heartbroken. After giving more than a decade to English cricket, Chris Woakes expected a respectful farewell.
However, the 37-year-old was left upset after learning about the end of his England career through a public statement rather than a private conversation.
Woakes gave everything for England and even showed incredible courage during his final Test appearance at The Oval by batting with a dislocated shoulder. Amid this, Eoin Morgan, Aaron Finch among 5 famous candidates for Mumbai Indians head coach role.
Chris Woakes hurt by Rob Key’s cold announcement, reveals bitter truth in autobiography
Yet, England’s managing director Rob Key openly told the media that Woakes was no longer part of the team’s future plans while explaining his Ashes snub. That came a week before his retirement announcement.
In his autobiography, The Wizard, Chris Woakes opened up about how the news of his international career's end affected him.
He felt the decision was communicated in a cold and disappointing manner, especially after everything he had done for England over the years. Woakes said Key’s words still hurt him.
Woakes said in his autobiography, “That final bit felt a bit cold. A bit shabby, really.”
Woakes understood that the England team management had to look at younger players and prepare for the future, but Rob Key should have spoken to him personally before making such an important announcement in public.
The former fast bowler added, “I wondered if the words slipped out, not necessarily how he meant them. He could have easily had that conversation first with me, rather than the press.”
Chris Woakes reveals he has barely spoken to Rob Key since retirement
Woakes also explained that he has always shared a good relationship with Key. The England pacer further revealed that the two have barely spoken since his retirement. Amid this, Shreyas Iyer sends blunt message to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after repeatedly benching him.
He understands that professional cricket moves quickly and that team management cannot always remain loyal to players forever. However, Woakes believes he and Key may discuss the matter at some point in the future.
Woakes added, “He's a busy man and moved on to different things. I'm sure at some point we'll discuss it. But in any walk of professional sport, there isn't much loyalty because the game moves on. There isn't much loyalty because the game moves on.”
Chris Woakes’ brave final act for England and numbers
Chris Woakes dislocated his shoulder on the first day while fielding during the fifth Test against India at The Oval. Despite the pain, he came out to bat at No. 11 on the final day with his left arm in a sling, as England needed 17 runs to win the series 3-1.
Although he did not face a ball, he ran four singles before Gus Atkinson was bowled, leaving England six runs short. This brave effort turned out to be Woakes’ final appearance for England.
Woakes enjoyed a successful career for England, playing 217 matches across all formats. He scored 3,705 runs and picked up 396 wickets. In 62 tests, he took 192 wickets and scored 2,034 runs. He also claimed 173 ODI wickets and 31 T20I wickets during his career.
