England faces crisis as Mark Wood ruled out of remainder of Ashes 2025-26
Published - 09 Dec 2025, 12:25 PM | Updated - 09 Dec 2025, 01:12 PM
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England’s hopes in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 have taken a big hit as fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the five-match Test series with a left knee injury.
This is a major setback for England, as they have already been struggling to recover from heavy losses in the first two tests. Mark Wood injured his knee during England’s eight-wicket defeat in the opening Test at Perth last month.
Mark Wood ruled out for rest of Ashes 2025-26 with knee injury
The 35-year-old pacer then missed the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane while trying to recover. And now Wood has been eventually ruled out of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series in Australia after he suffered a recurrence of the knee injury.
Absolutely gutted for you, Woody.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 9, 2025
After working so hard to get back, we're all with you ❤️
Wood will return home to England this week to work on his rehabilitation. The team will now have to rely on younger and less experienced bowlers as they prepare for the third Ashes Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on December 17.
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Mark Wood shares emotional message after his Ashes dream ended
Meanwhile, Mark Wood shared an emotional message for the fans after being ruled out of the Ashes 2025-26. The Englishman admitted that he was heartbroken to leave the Australia tour after working for months to return to Test cricket. The fast bowler revealed that his knee injury turned out to be more serious than anyone hoped despite injections and intense treatment.
Wood posted on Instagram: “This looks short…. Like my trip. Gutted to be out for the remainder of the Ashes. After extensive surgery and 7 long, hard months of work and rehab to get back into the test arena, my knee just hasn’t held up. None of us expected this.”
He continued, “I came here with high expectations about making a big impact. I’m desperately disappointed that despite yet more injections and intensive medical treatment, it has become clear that the flare-up in my knee is worse than feared. I’m really sorry that has left me unable to perform as expected, but it is not for want of trying.”
Mark Wood thanks fans and vows to return stronger
Wood thanked fans in England and Australia, especially the Barmy Army, for standing by him. He promised to keep pushing himself to make a strong comeback. At the end, the fast bowler said that he still believes England can fight back in the ongoing Ashes series.
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He added, “I want to thank everyone at home and away in Australia. The barmy army have been class as always, and I really appreciate it. Whatever happens, I will continue to push the limits to get back again. It has been a tough road these past few months, but I remain determined to give it another proper go. I still believe we can turn things around. Never give in. Come on, England.”
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Matthew Fisher replaced Mark Wood in England squad
Well, Surrey fast bowler Matthew Fisher, who is currently in Australia with the England Lions, will now join the Test squad to replace the injured Wood for the rest of the ongoing Test series.
England will hope Fisher’s arrival adds some strength, as they have to win the third Test against Australia to stay alive in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series.
After Adelaide, the Test series will move to Melbourne for the fourth Test, starting on December 26, before wrapping up with the fifth and final Test in Sydney next month.
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