Mark Wood Announces Retirement from International Cricket

England fast bowler Mark Wood announced his retirement from international cricket on 22 September 2026. The 36-year-old ended an 11-year international career for England after recurring knee injury problems.

International Career Record

Mark Wood played 38 Test matches and took 119 wickets at an average of 30.79. He also played 70 One Day Internationals and took 80 wickets, along with 38 Twenty20 Internationals in which he took 54 wickets.

England Team Achievements

Wood was part of the England squads that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. He finished sixth on England’s all-time T20I wicket-taking list with 54 wickets.

Last International Match and Future Plans

His last international appearance came in November 2025 in the first Test of the 2025/26 Ashes series against Australia, which England lost by eight wickets. Wood plans to continue domestic cricket for Durham in the T20 Blast and to play in franchise leagues.

Important Facts for Exams

• Test cricket is the longest format of international cricket and is played over five days.
• One Day International cricket uses 50 overs per side in a completed match.
• Twenty20 International cricket uses 20 overs per side in a completed match.
• The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia.

Career Context

Wood had hinted at retirement in March 2026 while discussing the slow recovery from his knee injury. His central contract with England was due to expire the following month.