Some of Wood’s most memorable performances came on the biggest stages. He played a crucial role in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup victory, taking 18 wickets during the tournament and repeatedly crossing the 95 mph mark. Even a side strain could not keep him out of the final at Lord’s, where he bowled as England edged New Zealand in a dramatic Super Over finish.
Wood was again part of a World Cup-winning campaign in 2022, taking nine wickets in four matches as England lifted the T20 World Cup in Australia.
The Ashes also provided several defining moments in his career. During his first series in 2015, Wood took the wicket that sealed England’s victory at Trent Bridge. Eight years later, after returning to the Test side, he produced a blistering spell at Headingley that helped England recover from 0-2 down. The series eventually ended 2-2.
But injuries increasingly became the defining challenge of Wood’s later career. His last appearance for England came in the Ashes Test in Perth last November, after which he suffered another injury.
With medical advice ruling out a return to Test and 50-over cricket, Wood decided the time had come to step away from international cricket.
“I’ve made the decision to retire from international cricket. Although this may not come as a surprise given the past year, it just feels like a natural time at the end of my contract,” Wood announced.
“I’ve always tried to be resilient and come back from injury to prove people wrong and show everyone what I can do. Unfortunately, this time I lost the battle. On medical advice, Test cricket and 50-over cricket are not possible, so the England dream has slowly been ground out of me over the past year.
“Playing for England has been the greatest honour I could have ever wished for and a dream come true. The little lad in me would be so chuffed to have played so much for England. To travel the world, meet incredible people and play against the best is something I feel incredibly lucky to have done, doing something I have loved,” he further said.
England men’s managing director Rob Key said Wood’s ability to make an impact in major series and tournaments made him a special player for the national side.
“It’s been a privilege to watch the latter part of a great career.
“To have been a point of difference in Ashes series wins, a World Cup, and to have thrilled crowds every time he got the ball in his hand is something very few players achieve. He can look back with enormous pride on a career very well spent,” Key said.