England’s hopes in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 have suffered a major blow as fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the five-match Test series due to a left knee injury.
This is a big blow for England, as they are struggling to recover from heavy defeats in the first two Tests. Mark Wood suffered a knee injury during England’s eight-wicket defeat in the opening Test in Perth last month.
Mark Wood ruled out of remaining Ashes 2025-26 with knee injury
The 35-year-old fast bowler missed the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane while trying to recover. And now Wood has finally been ruled out of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series in Australia after a knee injury resurfaced.
Absolutely ruined for you, Woody.
After working so hard to come back, we are all with you
– England Cricket (@englandcricket) 9 December 2025
Wood will return to England this week to work on his rehabilitation. The team will now have to rely on younger and less experienced bowlers to prepare for the third Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on December 17.
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Mark Wood shares emotional message after Ashes dream ends
Meanwhile, Mark Wood shared an emotional message for fans after being ruled out of the Ashes 2025-26. The Englishman admitted he was heartbroken to leave the Australia tour after working for months to return to Test cricket. The fast bowler revealed that despite injections and intensive treatment, his knee injury turned out to be more serious than anyone expected.
Wood posted on Instagram: “It feels short… like my journey. Disappointed to be left out of the remaining Ashes. After extensive surgery and 7 long, hard months of work and rehabilitation to get back on the test field, my knee still won’t stand up. None of us expected this.”
He added, “I came here with high expectations about making a big impact. I am extremely disappointed that despite numerous injections and intensive medical treatment, it has become clear that the swelling in my knee is much worse than feared. I am really sorry that I have been unable to perform as expected, but it is not for lack of trying.”
Mark Wood thanks fans and vows to come back stronger
Wood thanked the fans of England and Australia, especially the Barmy Army, for standing by him. He promised to keep pushing himself to come back stronger. Lastly, the fast bowler said that he still believes that England can bounce back in the ongoing Ashes series.
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He added, “I want to thank everyone at home and away in Australia. The Barmy Army have been class as always and I really appreciate that. No matter what happens, I will continue to push my limits to get back again. It’s been a tough road over the last few months, but I’m determined to give it another fair chance. I still believe we can turn things around. Never give up. Come on, England.”
Matthew Fisher replaced Mark Wood in the England team
Well, Surrey fast bowler Matthew Fisher, who is currently in Australia with the England Lions, will now join the Test squad to replace the injured Wood for the remaining matches of the ongoing Test series.
England will hope that Fisher’s arrival will provide some strength as they will have to win the third Test against Australia to remain in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series.
After Adelaide, the Test series will move to Melbourne for the fourth Test, starting on December 26, and conclude with the fifth and final Test in Sydney next month.
