"In cricket terms, it is the timing of it as much as anything else and the chance of reoccurrence [of the injury]. He was running out of time to be ready for the start for the Ashes. And then once you get out of an Ashes series you're often looking at the next cycle, really. So Chris Woakes isn't in our plans at the minute."
"After three years in the role, the demotion comes on the eve of an Ashes tour that will define the Test project under Key, Stokes and the head coach, Brendon McCullum. Key insisted it came down to Brook, the white-ball captain, simply being a better leader but is aware that, with Jacob Bethell's star on the rise, he has re-opened pandora's box as regards the debate around the No 3 spot."
"But with Woakes now aged 36 and his central contract not being renewed this October, an England career of nearly 15 years during which he won two World Cups and was named Ashes player of the series in 2023 appears to be over. If so, the final act was bravely walking out to bat in a sling at the Oval."
Rob Key confirmed Chris Woakes has likely played his final game for England after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the summer's final Test and missing selection. Woakes is 36 and his central contract will not be renewed in October, ending nearly 15 years that included two World Cups and Ashes player of the series in 2023. Key said the injury's timing and recurrence risk made preparation for the Ashes impossible and that Woakes is not currently in plans. Ollie Pope was removed as vice-captain after three years. Harry Brook was appointed vice-captain because Key judged him the better leader.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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