Chris Woakes starts 'new chapter' after signing Warwickshire deal
Chris Woakes says it feels like he has begun a “new chapter” at Warwickshire after signing a new two-year deal at the club.
The 36-year-old former Walsall schoolboy, who retired from international cricket last month after a distinguished career with England, first joined the Bears as a teenager and made his professional debut in 2006.
He now appears set to see out his career in domestic English cricket as a one-club man after agreeing terms on the new contract.
Woakes, who also intends to explore opportunities in franchise cricket, will be available for the Bears in all formats in 2026.
"For obvious reasons, Warwickshire has always remained close to my heart,” he said.
“From training at the academy to signing my first professional contract, the club has been at every pivotal career moment over almost two decades.
“Extending my commitment to Warwickshire for another two years, feels like the start of a new chapter with a club that properly feels like home.”
Woakes announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket after missing out on a place in the England Test squad for the forthcoming Ashes series.
His 62nd and final Test appearance came against India in August when he went out to bat with only one arm after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder when fielding.
Woakes, who was also a key part of the 2019 World Cup-winning team before then winning the T20 World Cup in 2022, finished with a Test record of 192 wickets at an average of 29.61, while also scoring 2,034 runs at an average of 25.11.
In one-day internationals he took 173 wickets and scored 1,524 runs, while he took 31 wickets and scored 147 runs in T20s.
Woakes was also part of the Bears’ squads which won the County Championship in 2012 and 2021. His medal haul with the club also includes the 2014 T20 Blast and two One-Day Cups.
Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain said: “Chris is a consummate professional and the epitome of a Bear.
“After a distinguished England career, we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next for Chris and Warwickshire in this next stage of his career as we push on for red and white-ball titles.”
