England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year-old, known as one of the fastest bowlers of his generation, steps away after years of his career being impacted by injuries.
Wood spent eight months recovering from knee surgery before returning for the first Ashes Test in Perth last November. However, he experienced swelling on the same knee after bowling just 11 overs, leading to his return home for treatment. He has not played for England since.
Wood stated that the decision was made as it felt like a natural time at the end of his contract, adding that medical advice indicated Test and 50-over cricket were no longer possible. He described playing for England as the greatest honour and a dream come true.
A two-time World Cup winner, Wood took 119 wickets in 38 Tests after his debut in 2015. He was central to England's 2019 ICC Men’s World Cup victory, claiming 18 wickets, and also took nine wickets in four games during England's 2022 ICC T20 World Cup win. He retires as England Men’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in IT20s with 54 wickets from 38 matches, alongside 80 wickets in 70 ODIs.