England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on a career repeatedly disrupted by injury.
Wood, 36, made his England debut in 2015 and went on to claim 119 wickets in 38 Tests. He was part of the side that regained the Ashes on home soil that year and later played key roles in England’s major white-ball triumphs.
The Durham paceman took 18 wickets during England’s 2019 World Cup-winning campaign and was also part of the squad that lifted the 2022 T20 World Cup. He finished with 80 wickets in 70 ODIs and 54 in 38 T20Is.
Wood’s career, however, was punctuated by problems involving his ankles, knees and elbows. He returned during the first Ashes Test in Perth in November after 15 months on the sidelines, having recovered from an elbow injury and subsequent knee surgery. His comeback lasted only 11 overs before swelling in his left knee forced him out again.
Wood said medical advice meant Test and 50-over cricket were no longer viable options.
“I’ve always tried to be resilient and come back from injury to prove people wrong and show everyone what I can do. Unfortunately, this time I lost the battle,” he said.
Wood’s pace remained a defining feature even after he altered his run-up in 2018 to reduce the strain on his body. He was instrumental in England’s Ashes fightback in 2023, helping the side draw level from 2-0 down.
He said he hoped to continue playing cricket in some capacity.
Published on Sep 22, 2026
