Ashes 2025-26: Mark Wood Ruled Out of Remainder Of Test Series Against Australia, Matthew Fisher Added To England Squad

Mark Wood Ruled Out Of Ashes 2025: England's senior pacer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26. The visitors confirmed the major blow ahead of the third Test, which is scheduled to be played in Adelaide on December 17.

Having remained on the sidelines for the second Test, which England lost, Wood will not be available for the remaining three games as well as he continues to deal with his knee injury. As per the England and Wales Cricket Board statement, Wood will return home later this week and will work closely with the medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery.

Wood's absence is a huge blow to the already struggling England team, who went 0-2 down in the series after losing the pink-ball Test in Brisbane by 8 wickets. England have added Matthew Fisher to the Ashes squad as Wood's replacement.

ALSO READ: 240 Indian And 110 Overseas Players In IPL 2026 Auction, Breakdown And List Of Capped And Uncapped Players

The right-arm pacer Wood was hoping to become available at least for the last two Tests, in Melbourne and Sydney, but at the same time, he admitted that age was catching up with him. "Wood will return home later this week and will work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery," an ECB statement said.

Absolutely gutted for you, Woody.

After working so hard to get back, we're all with you ❤️

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 9, 2025

ALSO READ: What Is IND vs SA Head-To-Head Record In T20Is; Most Runs, Most Wickets And Other Stats

The 35-year-old had surgery on his left knee after hobbling out of England's Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in February. The series opener in Perth was his first Test match in 15 months. He bowled 11 overs during the match and was sent to a specialist after reporting pain in his knee.

Earlier in the day, Australia's Josh Hazlewood was also ruled out of the series. But the hosts will get a huge boost by the return of their captain, Pat Cummins. Usman Khawaja, who missed the second Test with a back issue, is also expected to be fit and available for the third Test.

Talking about Fisher, he has represented England just once, with his debut match coming against the West Indies in 2022. The six-foot-two seamer is already in Australia as part of the England Lions side and will link up with the senior team this week.