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Chris Woakes began playing cricket when he was just seven years old, first with Aston Manor Cricket Club and then Walmley Cricket Club. He competed for the 2006 Minor Counties Trophy, and represented Warwickshire’s under-15, under-17, academy, and second XI teams. In 2009 he was called up to the England Lions Squad, making his debut against the West Indes, and achieving his maiden first-class century.

In the 2017 Indian Premier League auction, he signed to Kolkata Knight Riders, moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore the year after, and then Delhi Capitals in 2020. He returned to the UK in 2022, playing for Birmingham Phoenix.

He made his international Twenty20 debut for England in 2011 against Australia. He has since played in one-day internationals, test matches, the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, 2021 and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and the Ashes.

In 2014 he was nominated for the best ODI Bowling Performance of the Year by ESPNcricinfo. He was named Player of the Match in the World Cup 2019 semi-final; and England’s Player of the Series in 2023.

He announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of 2025.

Often referred to as the “nicest guy in cricket”, Chris now works as an ambassador for the likes of Mashie, Gray Nicolls, and Luke 1977; and supports a range of charities, including Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taverners and Professional Cricketers Trust, and is a supporter of the Ruth Strauss Foundation in honour of former teammate Andrew Strauss’ late wife.