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Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to an England career that was repeatedly interrupted by injuries. The fast bowler confirmed his decision through a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, September 22, explaining that medical advice meant Test and 50-over cricket were no longer possible for him.
Mark Wood, who was one of England's quickest bowlers for more than a decade, had continued to fight his way back from injuries and hoped to return to international cricket. However, after another difficult period on the sidelines, the 36-year-old has decided to call time on his England career.
Unfortunately this time I lost the battle - Mark Wood
Mark Wood announced his retirement through Instagram, reflecting on his long battle with injuries and the difficulty of accepting that he could no longer continue in Test and ODI cricket. He said he had always tried to return from setbacks, but medical advice eventually forced him to make a different decision.
"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 last 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 with and against the best, is something I feel incredibly lucky to have done , doing something I have loved."
Mark Wood's career was defined by his exceptional pace, but injuries frequently disrupted his availability for the England National Cricket Team.
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There is no better feeling than playing for England - Mark Wood
Mark Wood also looked back at what representing England meant to him and thanked the people who supported him throughout his career. He particularly highlighted his family, friends, teammates, coaches, medical staff and the England supporters.
"There is no better feeling than playing for England and the prio I've had wearing the shirt can't really be explained. I hope I've represented my family, my cricket club, town and region of the north east with pride and I hope I have represented the country in just the same way. I have peace of mind that I tried my very best, I gave it everything I had and tried to bowl every ball like it was my last and as fast as I could!
"I've got to play with some of the best players this country has seen, experienced great coaches and been involved in some incredible teams. I've had phenomenal physios and other back room staff who, without their care, I wouldn't have been able to play half as much. The memories I share both on and off the field playing for England are what I'll hold dear, especially those relationships."
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Mark Wood's final years with England were heavily affected by injuries, including issues that limited his ability to maintain a consistent run in the side. His England central contract for 2025-26 was due to run until September 2026.
"To the fans, thank you for your support and cheering me on home and away. To the barmy army, the best fans in the world, twist and shout will always have a different feeling for me now and the last chant towards me at Perth will stay with me.
Most importantly to my family and friends, thanks for always being there in good times and bad. Behind the scenes, having to deal with setbacks, knowing I had a grounded support, always made me want to come back even better," Wood added.
"I got to live out a dream and I hope I can continue playing cricket in some capacity and pursuing other challenges in the future."
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Mark Wood's Stats In International Cricket
Wood finished his international career with 146 matches and 253 wickets across the three formats.
In 38 Tests, Wood claimed 119 wickets in 71 innings at an average of 30.79 and an economy rate of 3.32. His best innings figures were 6/37, while his best match figures were 9/100. He also took five wickets in an innings on five occasions.
In 70 ODIs, the England pacer picked up 80 wickets in 69 innings. He averaged 40.82 and had an economy rate of 5.58, with best bowling figures of 4/33.
Wood also played 38 T20Is, taking 54 wickets in 37 innings. His T20I bowling average was 20.24, with an economy rate of 8.45 and best figures of 3/9.
Overall, Wood leaves international cricket as one of England's most recognisable fast bowlers of his generation, having built his career around extreme pace while repeatedly battling his way back from injury.
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