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Mark Wood has called time on his England career. The 36-year-old fast bowler announced his retirement from international cricket on September 22, bringing an 11-year career to an end after injuries increasingly made it difficult for him to keep playing Test and 50-over cricket.
Wood's decision came at the end of his England contract. He said medical advice had made it clear that continuing in Test and ODI cricket was no longer possible.
"I've always tried to be resilient and come back from injury," Wood said in his retirement statement. "Unfortunately this time I lost the battle."
A career built around paceoneeyejack
Wood made his England debut against New Zealand at Lord's in 2015. Over the next 11 years, he became one of the quickest bowlers in the England attack and a player opposition batters knew could change a game in a short spell.
He finished with 253 international wickets in 146 matches — 119 in 38 Tests, 80 in 70 ODIs and 54 in 38 T20Is.
His international career also brought two World Cup titles.
Wood was part of England's 2019 ODI World Cup-winning campaign, taking 18 wickets in 10 matches. He was also in the squad that won the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, although an injury ruled him out of the semi-final and final.
Injuries eventually caught up with him
For all the pace Wood brought to England's attack, injuries were a recurring part of his career.
His most recent England appearance came in the opening Ashes Test against Australia in Perth in November 2025. It was his first Test for around 15 months, but the comeback lasted only 11 overs before a knee problem forced him out of the series.
That proved to be his final appearance for England.
Earlier in 2026, Wood had still been hoping to return. In May, he spoke about taking his rehabilitation slowly and trying to earn another England opportunity. At the time, he said he remained focused on getting back to bowling.
A few months later, the decision was different.
"On medical advice, Test cricket and 50-over cricket are not possible," Wood said.
The moments England will remember
Wood's career included some memorable moments, particularly in the Ashes.
In his first Ashes series in 2015, he took the wicket of Nathan Lyon at Trent Bridge to help England regain the urn. Eight years later, his return to the side at Headingley in the 2023 Ashes produced another influential performance as England fought back from 2-0 down.
His role in England's 2019 World Cup campaign was another highlight. He regularly pushed beyond 150 kph during the tournament and finished with 18 wickets as England lifted the trophy on home soil.
England Men's managing director Rob Key paid tribute to Wood, pointing to his impact in Ashes victories and the two World Cup triumphs.
What comes next for Wood?
Retirement from international cricket does not necessarily mean the end of Wood's playing career.
The ICC's player profile notes that Wood hopes to continue playing T20 cricket for Durham and in franchise competitions.
For England, however, the chapter is now closed.
Wood leaves international cricket with 146 appearances, 253 wickets and two World Cup winners' medals. More than the numbers, he leaves behind the memory of a bowler who could change the feel of a match simply by coming on and bowling at full pace.
After years of trying to fight his way back from injury, Wood has decided that this time, it is time to walk away.
