England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series against Australia due to a recurrence of a left-knee injury. The 35-year-old returned to Test cricket in the first Test in Perth after eight months out following knee surgery, but swelling in the same knee forced him to miss the second Test and ultimately rule him out of the series.
Wood’s absence is a major setback for England, who are already trailing 2-0 in the series. The Durham-born pacer expressed his disappointment in an Instagram post, stating that despite extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, his knee flare-up was worse than expected. Wood emphasized his determination to return to competitive cricket in the future and pledged to continue pushing limits to make a comeback.
Replacing him in the squad is 28-year-old Matthew Fisher, who has one Test cap from a 2022 tour of the West Indies. Fisher has experience with the England Lions in Australia and is considered well-suited to seam bowling with the Kookaburra ball used in Australian conditions. Other potential replacements like Josh Hull, Sonny Baker, and Tom Lawes were unavailable due to injuries.
Mark Wood’s Career and Ashes Impact
Wood has been one of England’s fastest bowlers since his Test debut in 2015. Over 38 Tests, he has taken 119 wickets and played a pivotal role in England’s cricketing successes, including the 2015 Ashes win, the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2022 T20 World Cup. His career, however, has been disrupted multiple times by injuries, including elbow and knee problems, and his absence in the Ashes leaves England with a critical gap in the bowling attack.
In the Perth Test, Wood bowled 11 overs without taking a wicket, showing courage after returning from a lengthy injury hiatus. Despite his efforts, England’s bowling options are now limited ahead of the third Test in Adelaide starting 16 December GMT.
Mark Wood – England Fast Bowler Ashes Record:
- Role: England fast bowler
- Total Tests Played: 38
- Wickets Taken: 119
- Last Test Played: Perth, First Test 2025
- Replacement in Squad: Matthew Fisher
- Injury Type: Left-knee recurrence
- Previous Injury Layoff: 8 months (knee), 15 months (elbow + knee)
- Ashes Series Standing: England trailing 0-2
England Squad Adjustments and Australian Response
With Mark Wood unavailable, England must rely on replacement Matthew Fisher and their remaining pace bowlers to challenge Australia’s batting lineup. Australia, meanwhile, is also managing injuries; Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to an Achilles tendon issue, though captain Pat Cummins is expected to return for the third Test after a back problem.
Australia might recall batter Usman Khawaja to strengthen their middle order, while seamers Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett may be rotated out. England fast bowler Mark Wood’s absence, combined with the team already trailing, increases pressure on the remaining bowlers to step up in Adelaide.
England fast bowler Mark Wood’s injury withdrawal is a significant setback for the tourists, leaving England with a weakened pace attack at a crucial stage of the Ashes series. Matthew Fisher will step in, but the responsibility now falls on the remaining bowlers to fill the void left by the experienced pacer. Wood’s international future remains uncertain, though his commitment to a comeback shows his determination to continue representing England.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Mark Wood ruled out of the Ashes tour?
Mark Wood, England fast bowler, is ruled out due to a recurrence of his left-knee injury, despite months of rehabilitation and treatment.
Q2: Who is replacing Mark Wood in the England squad?
Matthew Fisher has been called up to replace Mark Wood for the remainder of the Ashes series.
Q3: How many Tests has Mark Wood played for England?
Mark Wood has played 38 Tests, taking 119 wickets since his debut in 2015.
Q4: When is the next Ashes Test after Mark Wood’s withdrawal?
The third Ashes Test starts on 16 December GMT in Adelaide.
Q5: Has Mark Wood returned from injury before?
Yes, Mark Wood returned in the first Perth Test after eight months out due to knee surgery and a 15-month absence from an earlier elbow injury.