Mark Wood has retired from English cricket after an injury-plagued career

England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36 with immediate effect, ending a career shaped by raw pace, memorable performances and a long battle with injuries. Wood leaves England with 119 Test wickets from 38 matches, along with major contributions to their World Cup and Ashes campaigns.

Wood made the announcement in a statement on Monday, admitting the decision gradually became inevitable after another frustrating spell on the sidelines. “While it may not be a surprise given last year, it feels like a natural time at the end of my contract,” he said.

“I’ve always tried to be resilient and come back from injury to prove people wrong and show everyone what I can do. Unfortunately, I lost the battle this time.”

“On medical advice, Test cricket and 50-over cricket is not possible, so the England dream has slowly faded away from me over the last year,” Wood added.

“Playing for England was the biggest honor I could have ever asked for and a dream come true.

Wood’s career has never been short on impact. He made his England debut in 2015 and quickly became one of the fastest bowlers in the team, able to reach close to 97mph while offering something few could do with the ball in hand. Ankle, knee and elbow injuries repeatedly interrupted his progress, but he kept finding his way back.

HEAT THAT CHANGED GAMES

Wood was part of the England squad that won the 2019 ODI World Cup, taking 18 wickets during the tournament and later featured in their triumph in the 2022 World T20 Cup. His return during the 2023 Ashes was another defining moment, with 14 wickets in the last three Tests to help England fight back after losing the first two matches.

He finished with 80 ODI wickets in 70 matches and 54 T20I wickets in 38 matches, placing him sixth on England’s all-time T20I wickets list for men. His ability to change the rhythm of the game with mere pace made him a particularly valuable weapon in England’s white-ball teams.

INJURIES FINALLY WIN THE BATTLE

Wood’s latest comeback came in the first Ashes Test in Perth after 15 months following elbow surgery and subsequent knee surgery. He bowled just 11 overs before swelling in his left knee forced him out again and he has not played for England since.

England chief executive Rob Key has paid tribute to the fast bowler, highlighting his influence on some of England’s greatest successes.

“It was an honor to watch the final part of a great career,” said Key. “Being the difference maker in Ashes series wins, two World Cup wins and having the crowds go wild every time he got the ball in hand is something that very few players achieve.”

Wood is retiring from international cricket after spending more than a decade pushing his body to its limits. He hopes to continue playing cricket in some capacity, but his England career is now over.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

22 Sep 2026 15:08 IST