Mark Wood Retires From International Cricket After Injury Struggles
Mark Wood retires from international cricket with 253 wickets, ending his England career after injury struggles. He will continue playing T20 cricket.
England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket after a prolonged battle with injuries brought his career at the highest level to an end. He will continue playing T20 cricket for Durham and franchise teams around the world.
Wood announced his decision ahead of the first ODI between England and Sri Lanka in Durham. The 36-year-old leaves international cricket with 253 wickets from 146 matches across all three formats.
The right-arm fast bowler was part of England’s 2015 Ashes-winning team, their 2019 ODI World Cup-winning squad and the side that lifted the 2022 T20 World Cup. His pace and ability to trouble batters made him an important part of England’s attack.
Wood’s last appearance for England came in the first Test of the 2025–26 Ashes in Perth. He went wicketless in 11 overs, and his long struggle to return to full fitness eventually led him to accept that his international career was over.
“It’s been a long time since Perth, in November, my last game, so it’s been a year-and-a-half where it’s just ground me down to thinking, ‘Look, I’m never going to get back to this level’. My contract ends in September, and I think it just feels like the right time,” Wood said.
He admitted that stepping away from England was not what he had wanted, but praised the next generation of players coming through the system.
“I never wanted to give up [playing for] England, but the lads that are coming through are doing a fantastic job. The news should be about the lads that are going to get their contract, and I can just focus on other things,” he added.
Medical advice has ruled out a return to Test and 50-over cricket, although Wood is keen to continue playing the shortest format.
“On medical advice, Test cricket and 50-over cricket are not possible, so the England dream has slowly been ground out of me over the last year,” he said.
Wood will now focus on T20 cricket for Durham and other franchise teams. He also plans to take up media work and pursue his Level 3 coaching qualifications as he begins the next chapter of his cricket career.
