England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket with immediate effect at age 36, bringing an end to a career blighted by persistent injuries. After returning to Test cricket in November following 15 months away due to elbow and knee problems, Wood managed only 11 overs before knee swelling forced him to leave the Ashes series. He has announced on medical advice that Test and 50-over cricket are no longer possible, leading him to conclude his England career.

Wood took 119 wickets across 38 Tests since his debut in 2015, and established himself as one of England's fastest ever bowlers. He was a key member of the 2019 50-over World Cup-winning squad (18 wickets) and was in the 2022 T20 World Cup squad, while also contributing significantly to the 2023 Ashes series when his return to the team helped England level the series after being 2-0 down. In white-ball cricket, he retires as England's sixth-highest T20 wicket-taker with 54 wickets from 38 matches and took 80 wickets in 70 one-day internationals. Despite adjusting his run-up in 2018 to reduce physical strain, injuries to his ankles, knees and elbows persistently disrupted his career, though he expressed hope of continuing to play cricket in some form.