England’s Chris Woakes takes break from cricket after father’s death – Times of India

England cricketer Chris Woakes has revealed that his absence from the sport is because he is mourning the death of his father.

The allrounder, 35, was notably absent from the Punjab Kings’ lineup in the Indian Premier League. Additionally, he was excluded from England’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, announced at the end of April.

Woakes, who plays for Warwickshire, shared his feelings in a social media post.

“The last month has been the most challenging of my life when unfortunately my dad passed away at the beginning of May. I’ve spent the last few weeks with the people most important to me, my family. We’re all obviously grieving and trying to get through what is undoubtedly the hardest moment in our lives. It’s times like this that perspective is at its greatest,” he wrote.

Woakes, a key contributor to England’s victory in the 2019 50-over World Cup, further stated: “I will be back playing cricket for Warwickshire, who my dad loved dearly, when the time is right for me and my family. I know playing cricket for Warwickshire and England made my dad incredibly proud. I look forward to doing that again in the near future.”

Woakes boasts more than 200 appearances for England across all three international formats, including 48 Test caps.