Chris Woakes autobiography: Former England seamer slams Rob Key over 'shabby' exit
Woakes, who played 217 international matches for England across formats, including 62 Tests, made his final red-ball appearance during the fifth Test against India at The Oval in August 2025. Despite dislocating his shoulder while fielding, he came out to bat in a bid to help his team.
Chris Woakes, a former England fast bowler, has criticized the manner in which he was informed he was no longer part of the England team. Managing Director Rob Key made the announcement publicly, rather than speaking to Woakes privately beforehand. This move, Woakes stated in his autobiography, The Wizard, felt "cold" and "shabby".
Despite dislocating his shoulder while fielding in the final red-ball appearance against India, Woakes played a crucial innings. However, this effort was insufficient to earn him a spot in England's Ashes squad. Following his retirement from international cricket, Woakes reflected on England's decision to move on from him. While he accepted the move, he was particularly hurt by the public announcement.
Woakes acknowledged that he and Key had not spoken much since the incident, and that professional sport often lacks loyalty. He suggested that Key could have had a more private conversation with him about his future. England's Ashes campaign ultimately ended with a 4-1 defeat to Australia.
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