England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36. Wood brought the curtain down on a 10-year international career that saw him represent England across all three formats. He made his international debut in 2015 and was part of England’s historic ODI World Cup-winning team in 2019.
The fast bowler also played a key role in England’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2022 under Jos Buttler.
Wood’s last appearance for England came in the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. The Test was played from November 21 to 22.
Mark Wood’s England Career
Wood finished his international career with 38 Tests, 70 ODIs and 38 T20Is for England.
He took 119 wickets in Tests, 80 in ODIs and 54 in T20Is.
The Durham pacer was known for his express pace and played an important role for England during several major series and tournaments.
However, a series of injuries affected the latter part of his career. Wood said medical advice had ruled out a return to Test and 50-over cricket, leading him to make the decision to retire.
“I’ve made the decision to retire from international cricket. 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,” he said.
‘Playing For England Has Been The Greatest Honour’
Wood described representing England as the biggest honour of his career and said he felt fortunate to have travelled the world and played against some of the best cricketers.
“Playing for England has been the greatest honour I could have ever wished for and a dream come true. 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,” he added.
Rob Key Pays Tribute To Wood
England men’s managing director Rob Key paid tribute to Wood and highlighted his contribution in some of the team’s biggest matches and tournaments.
“It’s been a privilege to watch the latter part of a great career.
“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.”
Wood leaves international cricket as a two-time world champion, having been part of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup-winning side and the team that lifted the T20 World Cup in 2022.