Mark Wood announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, ending an 11‑year stint with England. The 36‑year‑old bowler said medical advice and a brutal injury season forced the decision. He last appeared in the first Ashes Test of November, when a left‑knee injury halted his 11‑over spell. Wood’s exit leaves a vacuum in England’s pace attack.
Across formats, Wood collected 253 wickets in 38 Tests, 70 ODIs and 38 T20Is. He finished with 119 Test wickets, 80 in ODIs and 54 in T20Is. His 18‑wicket haul in the 2019 ODI World Cup helped England lift the trophy for the first time.
The turning point came in the Ashes of 2023, when swelling in his previously operated knee forced him out of the series. The injury cut short a promising comeback that had seen him take 17 wickets in the 2021‑22 Ashes in Australia.
England men’s managing director Rob Key said Wood “thrilled crowds every time he got the ball in his hand.”
Wood’s legacy is etched in Ashes victories and World Cup triumphs, but England now faces the challenge of finding a new spearhead. The upcoming series against India will test the squad’s depth and the emergence of fresh talent.