Mark Wood announces retirement from international cricket
England fast bowler Mark Wood, 36, has announced his retirement from international cricket after a recurring knee injury ended his hopes of a comeback.
England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending his England career after a recurring knee injury. The 36-year-old revealed the decision in conversation with Sky Sports Cricket’s Ian Ward.
Wood’s last appearance for England came in the first Test of the 2025/26 Ashes in Perth in November 2025, when a recurrence of the knee injury ruled him out of the remainder of the series. He subsequently underwent a second knee operation; although his recovery improved, it did not reach the level required for Test or 50-over cricket.
“I never really wanted to give up England,” Wood said, “but this time it’s just ground me down really.” “I’d still love to play for England for 20 overs, but… it just feels like a nice time to just say that’s a natural end.”
Wood finishes with 38 Tests and 119 wickets, alongside 70 ODIs — he was part of the squad that won the 2019 50-over World Cup — and 38 T20Is. He took nine wickets in four games during England’s victorious 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, though injury forced him to miss the semi-final and final.
With his ECB contract expiring in September 2026, Wood said it “just feels like the right time” to step away from the international game.
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