Arabic version: مارك وود يعتزل الكريكيت الدولي

According to BBC News, England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket. The 36-year-old Durham paceman, described as one of the fastest bowlers to play for England, said medical advice meant Test and 50-over cricket were no longer possible. Wood said he hopes to continue playing cricket in some capacity.

Wood’s decision follows a career repeatedly affected by injury. He returned in the first Ashes Test in Perth in November after 15 months out with an elbow injury and knee surgery, but bowled only 11 overs before swelling in his left knee forced him to fly home for treatment. He has not played for England since. “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,” Wood said in a social-media statement.

He made his Test debut in 2015 and took 119 wickets in 38 matches. That summer, he helped England regain the Ashes on home soil. In 2023, his return helped England recover from 2-0 down to level the Ashes series, with his fast bowling playing a key part in the comeback.

Wood was a member of England’s 2019 50-over World Cup-winning side, taking 18 wickets during the tournament, and was also in the squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2022. He finishes as England’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in men’s T20 internationals, with 54 wickets in 38 matches, while taking 80 wickets in 70 one-day internationals.

Rob Key, England men’s cricket managing director, said Wood could look back “with enormous pride” on a career that included Ashes success and two World Cup wins. “To have been a point of difference in Ashes series wins, two World Cup wins, and to have thrilled crowds every time he got the ball in his hand is something very few players achieve,” Key said.