Mark Wood Retires from International Cricket After Persistent Knee Trouble

England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket at the age of 36. He announced the decision on September 22, 2026, with a left knee problem and an England contract due to end this month both playing a part.

Career numbers

Wood debuted for England in 2015 and played in all three formats. He finished with 119 wickets in 38 Tests, 80 wickets in 70 ODIs and 54 wickets in 38 T20 internationals.

His last appearance was the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes in Perth on November 21, 2025. He bowled 11 overs before his knee flared up again, which ended his series. He had had surgery on the left knee in March 2025 and later admitted he may have rushed back to be available for Perth, a ground he valued for its pace.

Why he decided to stop

Wood had come back from many setbacks, among them ankle trouble, elbow surgery, side strains and thigh problems. He said this knee injury felt different: on earlier occasions he felt better after returning, but this time something was not right. He also pointed to his contract, which runs out in September, saying the timing felt right.

Highlights and injury history

Wood was part of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup-winning squad and took nine wickets in four matches at the 2022 T20 World Cup, although injury ruled him out of the semi-final and final. His last ODI was against Afghanistan on February 26, 2025, and his last T20I was against India on February 2, 2025.

Injuries repeatedly interrupted his career: ankle surgery in 2016, a side strain in 2019, right elbow surgery in 2022, a thigh injury and another elbow problem in 2024, and the knee operation in March 2025. Even so, he became one of the most recognisable England quicks of his generation.