Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 9: England fast bowler Mark Wood has voiced deep frustration after being ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series due to a knee injury sustained during the opening Test in Perth. The pacer admitted he had entered the series with “high expectations of making a big impact,” but his troublesome knee “just hasn’t held up.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Wood will fly home to begin rehabilitation under the supervision of the ECB medical team. Seamer Matthew Fisher has been drafted into the squad, having already been in Australia with the England Lions.
Wood’s left knee has been a recurring concern this year. He first suffered the injury during the ICC Champions Trophy, underwent surgery, and spent nine months recovering before returning for the first Ashes Test. However, he experienced pain during the Perth match and bowled only 11 overs. The issue then ruled him out of the second Test in Brisbane, where Australia extended their lead to 2–0 in the five-match series.
Sharing his disappointment on Instagram, Wood wrote:
“Gutted to be out the remainder of the Ashes. After extensive surgery and 7 long, hard months of work and rehab to get back into the Test arena, my knee just hasn't held up. None of us expected this. I came here with high expectations about making a big impact.”
He added that despite further injections and intensive treatment, the flare-up turned out to be “worse than feared,” leaving him unable to compete. Wood thanked supporters in England and Australia, giving special credit to the Barmy Army for their unwavering backing.
Vowing to return stronger, he said: “Whatever happens, I will continue to push the limits to get back again… I still believe we can turn things around. Never give in. Come on England.”
The setback adds to a long list of injury challenges that have disrupted Wood’s career. Before the Perth Test, he had gone 15 months without red-ball cricket following elbow and knee surgeries, making this latest blow particularly disheartening for the 34-year-old pacer.