England Fast Bowler Mark Wood Calls Time on International Career

The 36-year-old pace bowler steps away from England duty after injury setbacks, ending a run that included World Cup titles in 2019 and 2022.

Mark Wood, among the quickest pacers of his era, has retired from international cricket with England at 36. Persistent injuries shaped the decision, which he described as coming at the natural end of his central contract.

During an 11-year England career, Wood collected global titles in both white-ball formats. He featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and lifted the T20 trophy in Australia in 2022, while also appearing in four Ashes campaigns and claiming the series-clinching wicket at Trent Bridge in 2015.

His test record stands at 119 wickets across 38 matches, alongside 54 in 38 T20 internationals and 80 from 70 ODIs. Nine of his T20 wickets came during the 2022 World Cup, and he took 18 at the 2019 tournament, where he was clocked above 95 mph.

Knee trouble ultimately ended his England days. Surgery on his left knee kept him out for eight months last year, and although he returned for the Ashes in Australia, swelling after bowling 11 overs in the opening test forced him home for treatment. He never played for his country again.

In a statement, Wood said medical guidance ruled out test and 50-over cricket, admitting he had lost the battle this time despite his career-long determination to return from injury. Rob Key, managing director of England men's cricket, praised the Durham bowler for thrilling crowds whenever he had the ball in hand.