England’s cricketing world just lost one of its gems as Mark Wood announced his retirement. Wood, at 36, drew the curtains on his career after a gruelling battle with persistent knee, ankle, and elbow injuries. But fellow compatriot Chris Woakes asks him to hold his head high.
What Did Chris Woakes Say About Mark Wood After Retirement Announcement?
Woakes took to his Instagram handle and penned a lengthy post for Wood. Appreciating his career.
“The character behind the cricketer is what I love the most,” the caption read. “Some of my favourite moments on the cricket field were with this champion bloke!
“You deserve all the plaudits mate! Enjoy retirement! You left it all out there every single time and for that, you should be very proud! 🚀 🫶 @mawood33”
Woakes’ post also featured some of the moments they shared together. Both on the field and off the field.
The sentiment captures the sheer grit required for Wood to carve out a legendary career despite playing a sport that heavily penalizes extreme velocity. Wood became the heartbeat of England’s pace attack after debuting in 2015.
Consistently touching speeds over 95 mph. He accumulated 253 international wickets, over 38 Tests, 70 ODIs, and 38 T20Is.
Woods’ presence and performances became British folklore. Remaining an important pillar of the 2019 World Cup win with 18 wickets. Then playing a similar role in the 2022 T20 World Cup campaign.
Even famously securing England’s 2015 Ashes-clinching moment by taking Nathan Lyon’s wicket at Trent Bridge.
But Woods’ body finally took the toll. Following knee surgery and a subsequent breakdown after bowling just 11 overs in the opening Test of the previous Ashes series, Wood admitted that “the England dream has slowly been ground out of me over the last year”.
But his close friends like Woakes understand it very well. Wishing him a happy retirement.
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