Mark Wood has retired from international cricket at the age of 36. The England fast bowler ends an 11-year international career that included two World Cup titles and an Ashes series win.
Wood made his England debut against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2015. He went on to play 38 Tests and took 119 wickets. In ODIs, he picked up 80 wickets from 70 matches. He also took 54 wickets in 38 T20Is, leaving him as England’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
Wood Played a Key Role in England’s World Cup Wins
Wood was part of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup-winning team. He took 18 wickets during the tournament and regularly bowled at speeds above 95 mph.
He also played in the final against New Zealand at Lord’s despite carrying a side strain. England won the match after a dramatic Super Over finish. Wood was part of another World Cup-winning side three years later when England lifted the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. He took nine wickets in four matches.
Four Ashes Series for Wood
Wood played in four Ashes series during his England career. In the 2015 series, he took the wicket that completed England’s win at Trent Bridge.
His return to the Test team in 2023 gave England another big moment in the Ashes. Wood produced a fast spell at Headingley as England fought back after losing the first two Tests. The series finished 2-2.
Injuries Force Wood to Call Time
Injuries became a major problem for Wood in the later part of his career. These injuries kept him away from the game for long stretches and rendered it difficult for him to make regular appearances for England. His last game was played in the Ashes Test in Perth last November. Wood got injured again during this period. The medical experts have ruled out any possibility of his comeback in Tests and 50-overs cricket.
Wood confirmed his decision in a statement. “I’ve made the decision to retire from international cricket. Although this may not come as a surprise given the past year, it just feels like a natural time at the end of my contract.
“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. On medical advice, Test cricket and 50-over cricket are not possible, so the England dream has slowly been ground out of me over the past year.
“Playing for England has been the greatest honour I could have ever wished for and a dream come true. The little lad in me would be so chuffed to have played so much for England. To travel the world, meet incredible people and play against the best, is something I feel incredibly lucky to have done, doing something I have loved.”
Rob Key Pays Tribute to Wood
England men’s managing director Rob Key praised Wood for what he achieved during his career. He also highlighted his performances in major series and tournaments. “It’s been a privilege to watch the latter part of a great career. “To have been a point of difference in Ashes series wins, a World Cup, and to have thrilled crowds every time he got the ball in his hand is something very few players achieve. He can look back with enormous pride on a career very well spent.”
Mark Wood – Batting Career Summary
Mark Wood – Bowling Career Summary
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