England bowler Woakes retires from international cricket

England seamer Chris Woakes has announced immediate international retirement — a blow to England’s seam depth. For bettors this could shift short-term markets: consider backing opponents or higher team totals while odds adjust, and watch for value on replacement bowlers whose prices may shorten as markets react.

Chris Woakes announces immediate international retirement

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has confirmed he is retiring from international cricket with immediate effect. The announcement ends a significant chapter in England's pace-bowling resources and raises immediate questions about squad balance and selection.

Career context and squad implications

Woakes has been a regular seam option and lower-order bat for England across formats. His departure removes an experienced pace-bowling option, forcing selectors to accelerate plans for replacement seamers and to reconsider balance in upcoming squads.

Selection challenges for England

Selectors will need to weigh experience against form when naming successors. Short-term fixtures may see less-experienced seamers given opportunity, which could affect England’s tactics and bowling rotations while the new hierarchy settles.

Betting markets and short-term effects

Punters should expect markets to react quickly. Match and series odds may shift in favour of England’s opponents in the short term, and betting value may appear on totals, innings scores and specific bowlers’ markets as bookies adjust to the absence of an established seamer.

More to follow as details emerge.

England bowler Chris Woakes has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket.

Sky Sports