London, Sept 23:
England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on an 11-year career repeatedly interrupted by injuries.
The 36-year-old Durham paceman said medical advice had convinced him that continuing in Test and 50-over cricket was no longer possible. He said he had tried repeatedly to return from injury but had ultimately “lost the battle”.
Wood played 38 Tests, 70 ODIs and 38 T20Is for England, taking 253 wickets across the three formats. He last represented England in the opening Test of the Ashes series against Australia in November.
His career was marked by express pace and a succession of injury setbacks, including problems involving his ankle and elbow. Despite those difficulties, he remained an important part of England’s limited-overs teams.
Wood was a member of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup-winning team and took 18 wickets during that tournament. He was also part of the England side that won the T20 World Cup in 2022.
He made his Test debut in 2015 and played an important role in England’s Ashes victory at Trent Bridge that year, including the dismissal of Australia’s Nathan Lyon.
Wood also produced a notable performance in the 2021-22 Ashes series, claiming 17 wickets.
Announcing his decision, Wood said he was proud to have lived out his dream of playing for England and hoped to remain involved in cricket in some capacity.
His retirement ends the international career of one of England’s fastest bowlers, whose ability to generate extreme pace made him a distinctive presence across formats.