Mark Wood

Mark Wood has built his reputation on one thing above all else: pace. The Durham quick is capable of regularly pushing beyond 145 km/h and has made raw speed, aggression and relentless energy the trademarks of his bowling. His career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries, but Wood has continually fought his way back, becoming one of England’s most dangerous strike bowlers across formats.

Wood made his Test debut against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2015, but his first major international campaign came at the 2019 World Cup. He played a key role in England’s title-winning run, contributing with his pace and taking 18 wickets in the tournament. His finest Test spell came during the 2023 Ashes, when he returned to the side at Headingley and immediately made an impact. He took 7 for 61 in the match and struck crucial runs in England’s victory, earning the Player of the Match award.

After his outstanding 2023 Ashes, Wood’s career was again disrupted by injury. He played three Tests in the 2024 home summer, but a thigh problem against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford was followed by a stress injury to his right elbow, ruling him out for the rest of the year. He returned for England’s white-ball campaigns in India and the 2025 Champions Trophy, but his knee trouble resurfaced during the match against Afghanistan in Lahore. Scans revealed ligament damage in his left knee, requiring surgery and ruling him out for around four months.

The setback kept him out of England’s entire 2025 home Test summer, including the series against India, but Wood remained determined to make the Ashes. After around seven months of rehabilitation, he finally returned to Test cricket in the opening Ashes Test against Australia in Perth in November 2025. His comeback, however, lasted only 11 overs. Swelling in the same knee forced him out of the second Test, and he was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the series.

For all the injuries that have interrupted his career, Wood’s willingness to keep coming back has become as defining as his pace. When fit and charging in at full speed, he remains the kind of bowler who can change the course of a match in a matter of overs.