Arabic version: مارك وود يستعيد أربع فترات حاسمة مع إنجلترا
According to BBC News, Mark Wood retired on Tuesday as a two-time World Cup winner and Ashes winner, ending an England career marked by extreme pace, memorable spells and injuries. Regarded as England’s fastest bowler on record by most metrics, Wood reflected on four standout performances that shaped his career.
Wood described his breakthrough as the 5-41 he took in the first innings of the third Test against West Indies in Saint Lucia in 2019. After averaging 41.73 across his first 12 Tests, he lengthened his run-up on the advice of West Indies great Michael Holding. Wood said the change gave him “much more momentum, flow and freedom” and allowed him to bowl quicker for longer. He added that, after making the adjustment, he was annoyed if his speed fell below 90mph.
His best match figures came in Johannesburg in 2020, when he took 9-100 in the fourth Test against South Africa. Wood claimed 5-46 in the first innings and 4-54 in the second as England secured a 191-run win. On a quick, bouncy pitch, he averaged 89.1mph. He recalled dismissing Rassie van der Dussen for 98 and a plan against Faf du Plessis that ended with the batter hitting a fuller ball straight to cover.
Wood’s best innings return was 6-37 in Hobart during the final Test of the 2021-22 Ashes series. It was his first Ashes five-wicket haul, achieved despite England losing the series. Wood said he was proud to have played four of the five Tests and noted the recognition he received from Australian supporters. He also recalled former Australia coach Justin Langer pulling him in for a gesture of “respect” after the match.
His Headingley performance in the 2023 Ashes is likely to be the spell for which he is best remembered. With Australia leading the series 2-0, Wood took 5-34 in the first innings of the third Test, averaging 90.4mph on day one. The display helped England fight back to draw the series 2-2. Wood said his parents were present for the first time they saw him take five wickets, while the swing that dismissed Usman Khawaja remained a moment he wished he could “bottle up.”
