England Fast Bowler Mark Wood Retires After 11-Year International Career, Two World Cup Wins

England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket at the age of 36, bringing an end to an 11-year career that delivered two World Cup titles, Ashes highlights and plenty of memorable spells of express pace.

Wood was part of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup-winning team and their 2022 T20 World Cup-winning side. He also featured in four Ashes series and produced one of the defining moments of his early career when he took the wicket that sealed England’s Ashes victory at Trent Bridge in 2015.

His career, however, was repeatedly interrupted by injuries. Wood spent eight months on the sidelines last year after undergoing surgery on his left knee. He returned for the Ashes in Australia but bowled only 11 overs in the first Test in Perth before swelling in the same knee forced him to leave the tour. He has not played for England since.

Wood said medical advice had made it clear that continuing in Test and 50-over cricket was no longer possible.

“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,” Wood said in his retirement statement.

Wood leaves international cricket with 253 wickets, 119 in 38 Tests, 80 in 70 ODIs and 54 in 38 T20Is. His 2019 World Cup campaign was particularly impressive, with 18 wickets as England lifted their first ODI World Cup. He also took nine wickets during England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph.

Known for regularly crossing 95 mph, Wood became one of England’s most recognisable fast bowlers. He said representing England had been a “dream come true” and expressed pride at having travelled the world and played against the best.

Wood is expected to continue playing domestic and franchise T20 cricket, including for Durham, while also developing his coaching and media interests.

England men's cricket managing director Rob Key paid tribute to Wood, saying he had thrilled crowds whenever he took the ball and could look back with “enormous pride” on his career.