Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket after 11 years in the England national team. The 36-year-old bowler left international cricket, with England in all three formats and very much part of the team’s greatest success over the last decade.
Wood’s international career was defined by his fast pace, aggressive bowling and ability to turn a match around. He took 119 wickets in Test cricket and 80 wickets in 70 One-Day Internationals and 54 wickets in 38 T20 internationals. He retired as England Men’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in men’s T20 internationals.
One of the highlights of Wood's career was England's successful run in the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia. He took nine wickets in four matches and was a key part of the bowling attack as England won the trophy. England had a different option in his pace and it helped the team in the tournament.
Wood also took part in England's historic ODI World Cup-winning team on home soil. He took 18 wickets in the tournament and bowled at speeds above 95 mph. In the final, he was also able to perform well as he had a side strain and was still contributing.
The fast bowler's career also featured many memorable Ashes moments. Wood played in four Ashes series and took the wicket that helped England regain the Ashes during the 2015 series at Trent Bridge. His pace and attacking approach made him an important weapon whenever England faced Australia.
Another great moment of the 2023 Ashes series was when Wood had an amazing spell at Headingley to keep England from falling 2-0 behind. The series ended in a 2-2 draw with Wood’s performances having a huge role to play in England’s bid to recover.
But injuries were becoming an ever more crucial part of Wood's international career. The fast bowler had to deal with physical setbacks and keep a high-intensity bowling style going. This decision comes after a long time in which medical advice restricted him from playing Test and 50-over cricket.
Wood said retiring from international cricket was the natural step to take at the end of his contract. He acknowledged injuries and said he had spent most of his career trying to recover and return to the England side.
Wood said playing for England was the best honour he could have wished for. He also enjoyed the opportunity to travel around the world, meet people and compete with and against some of the best cricketers and so on.
His retirement means England are losing a bowler whose pace could change the momentum of a match. Wood's ability to produce high-level speed consistently made him an exceptionally special member of England's attack in limited-overs cricket.
England Men's Cricket Managing Director Rob Key paid tribute to Wood's career, recalling his roles in Ashes wins and England's two World Cup wins in England. Key also said Wood brought to the fans that excitement when he took the ball.
As for England, Wood's departure has been the end of a great career for a fast bowler who became so popular in fast bowling and attacking cricket. He won major titles, played all five games of the Ashes and many hard knocks were overcome.
Wood leaves international cricket with a record of high quality in formats and a legacy built on pace, resilience and his dedication to representing England. His international career may be over, but his impact on England cricket over the past 11 years will be a significant part of the team's recent history.
