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Mark Wood Retires From International Cricket at 36

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mark Wood Retires

Mark Wood retired from international cricket at 36 after medical advice barred him from Tests and ODIs.
He finished with 119 Test, 80 ODI, and 54 T20I wickets.
Wood helped England win the 2015 Ashes, 2019 World Cup (18 wickets) and 2022 T20 World Cup (nine wickets).
He will play T20 for Durham, join franchise leagues, and work as a pundit after earning a Level 3 coaching badge.

Summary

Wood Discusses Rehab

Wood's England contract expires in September, prompting retirement timing considerations.
He endured two knee, two elbow, three ankle surgeries, a jab and a back fracture.
He missed the 2019 Ashes and 2022 T20 World Cup knockouts due to knee, side and hip injuries.
Wood called his injury cycle a mental battle with hospital stays and rehab.
He said he used enough tape to look like a mummy during leg rehab.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Australian fast-bowler Glenn McGrath announced his retirement after a 13-year Test career despite remaining a leading wicket-taker. Cricket Australia noted McGrath left with 124 Tests, 381 wickets and a $2 million contract that ended that season. Like McGrath, England’s Mark Wood now faces forced retirement after medical advisers barred further Tests and ODIs, citing recurring knee, elbow and ankle injuries. These cases show cumulative injuries force bowlers into retirement, prompting International Cricket Council, Cricket Australia and England and Wales Cricket Board to tighten protocols.

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Mark Wood Retires

Mark Wood retired from international cricket at 36 after medical advice barred him from Tests and ODIs.
He finished with 119 Test, 80 ODI, and 54 T20I wickets.
Wood helped England win the 2015 Ashes, 2019 World Cup (18 wickets) and 2022 T20 World Cup (nine wickets).
He will play T20 for Durham, join franchise leagues, and work as a pundit after earning a Level 3 coaching badge.

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