England all-rounder Chris Woakes revealed on Friday that he was mourning the death of his father as he explained his recent absence from cricket.
The 35-year-old has not featured for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League and was left out of reigning champions England’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup at the end of April.
Posting on social media, Warwickshire favorite Woakes wrote: “The last month has been the hardest of m
y life when unfortunately my dad passed away at the beginning of May.Image credit: IG/chriswoakes
“I spent the last few weeks with the people who are most important to me, my family. We are all obviously grieving and trying to get through what is undoubtedly the most difficult time in our lives. At times like these, perspective is greatest.”
Woakes, who helped England win the 2019 Over-50 World Cup, added: “I will return to playing cricket for Warwickshire, which my dad loved dearly, when the time is right for me and my family.
“I know playing cricket for Warwickshire and England has made my dad incredibly proud.I stay up for doing it once more inside the close to future.”
Also Read :-T20 World Cup: Saving India’s Eyes As High-Price Cricket Comes To America | News
Woakes has made over 200 appearances for England in all three international formats, with his tally including 48 Test starts.
After the T20 World Cup, England will return to red-ball mode with the first of a three-Test series against the West Indies starting at Lord’s on July 10..
