England fast bowler retires from international cricket

Mark Wood, 36, has announced his retirement from international cricket due to a recurring knee injury. He hasn't played for England since November 2025 when he suffered the injury during the Ashes series in Perth.

A career defined by resilience and injury

Wood made his England debut in 2015 and played 38 Test matches, claiming 119 wickets. He was part of England's 2019 World Cup-winning squad and played in the 2022 T20 World Cup victory.

The Perth Test was his final match

Wood suffered a recurrence of his knee injury during the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series in Perth, Australia. This injury forced him out of the remainder of the series and ultimately ended his international career.

Injuries ground him down over time

Wood described how repeated injuries wore him down mentally and physically. He said the year-and-a-half away from cricket since Perth made him realize he would never get back to his previous level.

“I've had a lot of injuries... but this time it's just ground me down really.”

Contract ending made the timing right

Wood's England contract was set to end in September 2026. He felt retirement was the right moment, allowing younger players to secure their own contracts and move forward.

A career plagued by ankle injuries

Wood's injury troubles began in 2015 with a left ankle injury that caused him to miss the third Ashes Test. Ankle problems continued into 2016, requiring surgery and forcing him to miss England's home Test summer.

Elbow and side strain added to the burden

In 2019, a side strain caused Wood to miss the first two Ashes Tests. A right elbow injury in the West Indies in 2022 required surgery, and body stiffness ruled him out of the T20 World Cup semi-final and final that same year.

Thigh and elbow injuries in 2024

Wood suffered a right thigh muscle injury against Sri Lanka in 2024, followed by a right elbow stress injury that ruled him out for the remainder of that year.

Knee surgery in 2025 preceded the final blow

Wood underwent surgery for left knee ligament damage in 2025. When he returned to Test cricket for the Ashes in Perth, the same knee injury recurred, ultimately forcing his retirement.

He rushed back too quickly for Perth

Wood admitted he returned to cricket too soon after his knee surgery. He was desperate to play in Perth because it was the fastest wicket, but his body wasn't ready and the injury recurred immediately.

“I was desperate to play Perth because it was the fastest wicket there.”

The knee never fully healed

Wood revealed that his knee never felt quite right after surgery. Unlike previous injuries that improved when he returned, this one remained problematic, preventing him from reaching the fitness level needed for Test cricket.

“Looking back now, it probably never was quite right.”

Joining Sky Sports commentary team

Wood will transition to Sky Sports' commentary team, beginning with coverage of the one-day international between England and Sri Lanka in Durham on Tuesday.

A legacy of determination despite setbacks

Wood's career was marked by his resilience and determination to overcome injuries. He always found ways to return and prove doubters wrong, but this final injury proved too much to overcome.

“I've always found a way where I've believed I'd come back and had that resilience.”