Mark Wood, arguably England’s fastest ever bowler, has announced the end of his international career after admitting his lengthy battle against injuries has finally caught up with him.
Among a select band of England players to have won the Ashes – he took the winning wicket in 2015 – and both white-ball World Cups, Wood’s excess speeds set him apart among his contemporaries.
Being able to bowl upwards of 95mph meant his body often rebelled against him and led to significant spells on the sidelines for the 36-year-old, whose central contract with England expires next month.
He overcame chronic ankle problems that beset his early career but broke down at last year’s Champions Trophy with an injury to his left knee, which led to surgery and a gruelling rehabilitation to be fit for last winter’s Ashes.
Wood played just once, going wicketless in 11 overs in the series-opening loss at Perth in November, before suffering a serious reaction and missing the chastening 4-1 defeat by Australia.
He has not played professionally since then and, while he will continue his recovery with the aim of playing on the T20 franchise circuit this winter, admitted the longer formats were now beyond him.
“I’ve made the decision to retire from international cricket,” Wood said in a statement on social media. “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 last year.
“Playing for England has been the greatest honour I could have wished for and a dream come true. The little lad in me would be so chuffed to have played so much for England.”
Wood began his international career in 2015, but it was only after he lengthened his run-up in 2018 that he established himself as a first choice in all formats when he was fit and firing.
He finishes with a record of 119 wickets in 38 Tests at an average of 30.79, while he featured in 10 of England’s 11 matches in their historic World Cup triumph in 2019, when he claimed 18 dismissals.
The Ashington paceman also helped England claim the 2022 T20 World Cup title, although he missed the knockout stages because of a calf problem.
“My stats won’t read I was the best bowler ever – but I hope my team-mates think I was someone who tried my best every time,” Wood added.
Wood was England’s leading wicket-taker during the 2021-22 Ashes Down Under – where one delivery was clocked at 97.7mph – and then, after missing the first two Tests of the 2023 series as Australia established a 2-0 lead, he delivered an electric performance at Headingley to turn the tide.
His opening spell was mesmerising and a 95mph rocket to uproot Usman Khawaja’s leg stump began England’s fightback as they drew the series 2-2, with Wood picking up 14 wickets in just three matches.
That persuaded England’s managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key to offer Wood a three-year central contract, but he played just seven Tests after that.
“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, a World Cup 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.”
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