England star Woakes commits to the Bears

Birmingham-born England all-rounder Chris Woakes has pledged his future to his home county by signing a new two-year contract extension, which keeps him with the LV= Insurance County Champions until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Woakes (33) joined the Bears at under 10s age group with the former Barr Beacon Language College and Aston Manor Cricket Club all-rounder progressing through the pathway to become one of the most decorated players in the Club’s history.

In addition to winning two County Championships, two One-Day Cups and a Blast title with the Bears, Woakes became the county’s first ICC men’s Cricket World Cup winner in 2019 and he has helped England secure multiple Test, ODI and T20I series wins. To date he boasts 45 Test, 106 ODI and 16 T20i international caps.

“Chris is one of the best all-rounders that England have ever had,” said Warwickshire Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace.

“He’s spent all of his domestic career at Edgbaston and he knows exactly what it takes to establish yourself and win trophies with Warwickshire and England. As a county which is committed to developing our own young cricketers, it’s vital that they have someone like Chris to talk to and aspire to what he has achieved.

Paul Farbrace

“We’re very much aware that Chris is going to play so much more cricket for England across all three formats. However, when circumstances allow, he will be an incredible addition to any Warwickshire team. Through our agreement with Chris, we have the option to add an extra year to the contracts soon into year two.”

Chris Woakes said: “It was always a dream of mine to take to the field at Edgbaston for the Bears when I started playing the game as a youngster. I love the Club and feel incredibly proud every time that I put on the Bear & Ragged Staff and take to the field for my home county.

“The Club has come a long way on and off the field since I made my First Class debut nearly 16 years ago. Edgbaston is now one of the best places in the world to play cricket and we’ve won multiple trophies across all formats. Playing a part in the final stages of last year’s Championship success was a very proud moment for me.

“Whilst we’re the reigning County Champions, there’s so much potential for this squad to do more. We have some of the best young players in the game coming through our pathway and I’m very keen to support their development and hopefully ensure that there can be a few more trophy wins in the coming years.”

Woakes is hoping to return to action for the Bears in the home LV= County Championship match versus Northamptonshire, starting 12 May.

Farbrace added: “Chris has played a lot of cricket across all three formats in the last couple of years, with much of this time spent in bubbles and away from home. It’s important that he can enjoy some time back at home with his family, rest up and come back strong ready to support our 2022 campaign before the international summer.”