England has suffered a major blow in the ongoing Ashes series, with fast bowler Mark Wood ruled out for the remainder of the tour due to a knee injury. The setback comes at a critical moment, as England trail 2–0 in the five-match series and must win the third Test in Adelaide to stay alive.
Wood bowled just 11 wicketless overs in the opening Test at Perth before being sidelined for the second match in Brisbane because of recurring issues in his left knee. The 35-year-old had only recently returned to cricket after undergoing knee surgery in March.
In his absence, Matt Fisher has been called up to the squad as cover. Fisher has played just one Test for England, debuting in 2022 in the Caribbean.
Sharing his disappointment on Instagram, Wood wrote that he was "gutted to be out of the remainder of the Ashes," noting that despite months of rehab, injections, and treatment, his knee "just hasn't held up." Wood said he arrived in Australia hoping to make a strong impact but accepted that the injury flare-up is "worse than feared."
Wood was England's leading wicket-taker in the 2023 Ashes, and his absence further complicates the team’s challenge. England have not won a Test in Australia since 2010-11, and the loss of their strike bowler adds pressure on a struggling bowling attack.
His exit was announced hours after Australia confirmed that Josh Hazlewood would also miss the series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries.
