England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket after a career featuring two World Cup triumphs and recurring injuries.
England’s express fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career marked by blistering pace, major tournament triumphs and persistent injury setbacks.
Wood made his England debut in 2015 and played his final international match in November 2025, featuring in the Ashes Test in Perth.
The Durham fast bowler represented England in 38 Tests, taking 119 wickets. He also claimed 80 wickets in 70 ODIs and 54 wickets in 38 T20Is.
Widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers of his generation, Wood was part of England’s victorious campaigns at the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
During England’s historic World Cup triumph on home soil in 2019, Wood regularly crossed the 150kph mark and finished the tournament with 18 wickets at an average of 25.72.
He was equally influential during England’s successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, claiming nine wickets in four appearances.
Injuries force Wood to retire
Recurring injuries significantly disrupted Wood’s international career, with a knee problem proving particularly costly.
After appearing in the Ashes Test in Perth in November 2025, the fast bowler was ruled out of further Ashes action because of the injury. His continuing physical problems ultimately contributed to his decision to retire.
“I’ve made the decision to retire from international cricket,” Wood said.
“Although this may not come as a surprise given the past year, it just feels like a natural time at the end of my contract.
“I’ve always tried to be resilient and come back from injury to prove people wrong and show everyone what I can do. Unfortunately, this time I lost the battle.
“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 past year.”
Wood reflects on England career
Wood described representing England as the greatest honour he could have hoped for, saying he felt privileged to have travelled the world and competed against some of the best players in cricket.
“Playing for England has been the greatest honour I could have ever wished for and a dream come true,” he said.
“The little lad in me would be so chuffed to have played so much for England. To travel the world, meet incredible people and play against the best is something I feel incredibly lucky to have done, doing something I have loved.”
Rob Key pays tribute to Wood
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, praised Wood’s impact during some of the team’s most significant victories.
“It’s been a privilege to watch the latter part of a great career,” Key said.
“To have been a point of difference in Ashes series wins, two World Cup wins, and to have thrilled crowds every time he got the ball in his hand is something very few players achieve.
“He can look back with enormous pride on a career very well spent.”
Wood’s retirement closes the international chapter of a career in which his raw pace, aggression and ability to produce decisive spells made him one of England’s most recognisable fast bowlers of the modern era.