England fast bowler Mark Wood has officially been ruled out for the rest of the Ashes 2025/26 series after a recurrence of the left-knee injury he picked up during the opening Test in Perth.
Wood had undergone surgery earlier in the year and was hoping to return for the final two Tests, but ongoing complications have halted his comeback. The ECB said that Wood would be returning home this week to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the board’s medical team.
Matthew Fisher Named as Replacement
With Wood ruled out, England have called up Matthew Fisher as his replacement. The 2022 debutant, standing six-foot-two and bowling high-release seam, is already in Australia with the England Lions setup. Fisher will link up with the senior squad ahead of the third Test, which gets underway on December 17 in Adelaide.
Mark Wood Shares Emotional Message After Setback
In a heart-wrenching Instagram post, the 35-year-old vowed his sadness, as for months of hard preparation to return, his knee had simply not responded as hoped.
Wood said he arrived in Australia determined to make a significant impact, but acknowledged that the setback was more serious than initially believed. He thanked supporters, vowed to continue pushing for a return, and insisted that England still have the belief to turn their fortunes around.
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A Difficult Return After Major Surgery
Wood’s knees have been problematic since February, when England’s Champions Trophy campaign came to a premature close as he hobbled out of that tournament. The Perth Test was his first in 15 months but he bowled only 11 wicketless overs before reporting fresh pain. He consequently missed the second Test in Brisbane, which Australia won by eight wickets to go 2-0 up in the series.
Australia Strengthen as England Weaken Wood’s withdrawal came on the same day Australia lost Josh Hazlewood for the series, but the hosts received a major boost with the confirmed return of captain Pat Cummins for the Adelaide Test. Usman Khawaja, who missed the second Test due to a back concern, will also be available, thus further strengthening the Australian lineup.
ALSO READ: Ashes 2025/26: Hazlewood Ruled Out And Pat Cummins Returns For Adelaide Test
