‘This time I misplaced the battle’: England pacer Mark Wood retires from cross-border cricket after years of battling accidents
England quick bowler Mark Wood introduced his retirement from cross-border cricket on Tuesday, ending an 11-year profession after a protracted battle with accidents.
The 36-year-old performed 38 Tests, 70 ODIs and 38 T20Is for England, taking 253 wickets throughout all three codecs.
Wood final performed for England in November final yr in the course of the first Test of the Ashes collection in opposition to Australia. He bowled solely 11 overs earlier than struggling swelling in his left knee, the identical knee on which he had undergone surgical procedure the earlier yr. The damage dominated him out of the remainder of the Ashes collection, and he didn’t play for England once more.
In a submit on social media, Wood stated the choice got here after medical recommendation and a troublesome yr with accidents.
“Although this will not come as a shock given the previous yr, it simply seems like a pure time on the finish of my contract,” Wood wrote.
Wood has additionally handled ankle and elbow accidents throughout his profession and stated he had at all times tried to return stronger after setbacks.
“I’ve at all times tried to be resilient and are available again from damage to show individuals fallacious and present everybody what I can do. Unfortunately, this time I misplaced the battle.”
He added that persevering with in Test cricket and one-day internationals was now not potential.
“On medical recommendation, take a look at cricket and 50-over cricket will not be potential, so the England dream has slowly been floor out of me over the past yr.”
Wood made his Test debut in 2015 and was a part of England’s final Ashes-winning staff, taking the wicket of Nathan Lyon at Trent Bridge to seal the collection victory. He was additionally considered one of England’s main bowlers in the course of the 2021-22 Ashes collection in Australia, the place he took 17 wickets.
He performed an necessary function in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup-winning marketing campaign at residence, selecting up 18 wickets in 10 matches. He was additionally a part of England’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2022.
“I bought to reside out a dream and I hope I can proceed enjoying cricket in some capability and pursuing different challenges sooner or later,” Wood stated.
Wood completed with 119 wickets in 38 Tests, 80 wickets in 70 ODIs and 54 wickets in 38 T20Is. He took 9 wickets throughout England’s 2022 T20 World Cup-winning marketing campaign, whereas his 18 wickets on the 2019 ODI World Cup got here as England lifted the 50-over trophy for the primary time.
England males’s managing director Rob Key paid tribute to Wood, saying the quick bowler “thrilled crowds each time he bought the ball in his hand.”
