‘I lost the battle this time’: England pacer Mark Wood retires from international cricket after years of injury struggles

Mark Wood of England bowls during the second day of the 2nd Test match between England and the West Indies at Trent Bridge on July 19, 2024 in Nottingham, England. England fast bowler Mark Wood announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, ending an 11-year career after a long battle with injuries.The 36-year-old has played 38 Tests, 70 ODIs and 38 T20Is for England, taking 253 wickets across the three formats.Wood last played for England in November last year during the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia. He bowled only 11 overs before suffering swelling in his left knee, the same knee he had undergone surgery on the previous year. The injury ruled him out of the remainder of the Ashes series and he did not play again for England.In a post on social media, Wood said the decision came after medical advice and a tough year with injuries.“While this may not be a surprise given last year, it feels like a natural time at the end of my contract,” Wood wrote.Wood also dealt with ankle and elbow injuries during his career and said he always tried to come back stronger after setbacks.“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.”He added that continuation of Test cricket and one-day internationals is no longer possible.“On medical advice, Test cricket and 50-over cricket is not possible, so the dream of England has slowly faded away from me over the last year.”Wood made his Test debut in 2015 and was part of the last England team to win the Ashes, sealing the wicket of Nathan Lyon at Trent Bridge to seal the series win. He was also one of England’s leading bowlers during the 2021–22 Ashes series in Australia, taking 17 wickets.He played an important role in England’s domestic campaign to win the 2019 ODI World Cup, taking 18 wickets in 10 matches. He was also part of the England T20 team that won the 2022 World Cup in Australia.“I have a dream to fulfill and hopefully I can continue to play cricket to some extent and pursue other challenges in the future,” Wood said.Wood finished with 119 wickets in 38 Tests, 80 wickets in 70 ODIs and 54 wickets in 38 T20Is. He took nine wickets during England’s campaign to win the 2022 T20 World Cup, while his 18 wickets in the 2019 ODI World Cup came as England lifted the 50-over trophy for the first time.England men’s chief executive Rob Key paid tribute to Wood, saying the fast bowler “thrilled the crowds every time he got the ball in hand”.