England fast bowler Mark Wood announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday. The 36-year-old said he had "lost the battle" against injuries that repeatedly disrupted his career. Wood made his decision at the end of his current contract, closing a decade-long spell as one of England's quickest bowlers.
The right-arm pacer retired because of persistent injuries left Test and 50-over cricket no longer possible on medical advice. He had returned for the 2025/26 Ashes after 15 months out, but a knee problem ended that comeback within days.
Wood said the "England dream" had gradually faded over the past year as his body could no longer hold up.
What’s his international record?
Wood took 253 wickets in 146 international matches across all formats during his England career. In Tests specifically, he claimed 119 wickets at an average of 30.79 from 38 appearances.
He made his England debut in 2015 and quickly established himself as one of the side's fastest bowlers.
He played a key role in England's 2019 50-over World Cup triumph. He was also part of the squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2022, though injury kept him out of that tournament's semi-final and final.
Remarks after retirement?
Wood said playing for England had been "the greatest honour" he could have wished for. He added that he had always tried to fight back from injury to prove people wrong, but this time could not manage it. He described the timing as feeling natural given the year he had endured.
England managing director Rob Key called it a privilege to have watched the latter part of Wood's career. He praised Wood as a point of difference in Ashes series wins and a World Cup, someone who thrilled crowds whenever he had the ball in hand.
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