England’s gun fast bowler Mark Wood has decided to call time on his career in international cricket, on Tuesday. Wood will bring curtains on his 11-year-old career, during which he won two World Cups and an Ashes series.
Wood, who was known to flirt with the 150 kmph mark, scalped 119 wickets in 38 Test matches. He bagged 80 wickets in 70 ODI matches and snared 54 wickets in 38 T20Is.
The right-arm fast bowler played a key role in taking England to glory in the 2019 ODI World Cup, where he picked 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 25.72.
Once again, he was instrumental when England won the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, taking nine wickets in four matches.
Wood said medical advice had ruled out a return to Test and 50-over cricket. “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.
“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.”
England men’s managing director Rob Key paid tribute to Wood’s impact, particularly in major series 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.”

