The blows just keep coming for England in Australia. On Tuesday came confirmation that Mark Wood will miss the remainder of the Ashes tour because of a knee problem that resurfaced after the first Test defeat in Perth.
It represents a heartbreaking setback for Wood following a lengthy battle to be fit for a series that England now find themselves trailing 2-0. The 35-year-old underwent surgery on his left knee in March, sent down 11 overs in the series opener, only to then miss the eight-wicket loss in Brisbane.
“Gutted to be out of the remainder of the Ashes,” said Wood, sharing the news on social media. “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. I’m desperately disappointed that despite yet more injections and intensive medical treatment it has become clear that the flare up in my knee is worse than feared.”
The sight of Wood wearing a knee brace over the past fortnight pointed to the problem being serious and, given his injury record, the news is not entirely unexpected. England’s attempts to get the fastest bowler in the world ready for this tour were understandable, even if it was always a risk.
Into the main squad comes Surrey’s Matthew Fisher, 28, who has been part of the shadow Lions tour and won his solitary Test cap in Barbados in 2022. Whether Fisher features in the series remains to be seen, with Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts the unused seamers ahead of him.
Though still under contract with England until September next year, Wood’s 10-year international career may sadly be approaching the end. If so then he would sign off as an Ashes winner in 2015, as well as with winners’ medals from the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.
Having helped England battle back from 2-0 down to draw the home Ashes in 2023 – his breathtaking speeds at Headingley changed the entire mood of the series – the hope was of a repeat in Australia. Typical of the man, he felt moved to apologise for the injury and vowed to attempt another comeback.
Wood continued: “I’m really sorry that has left me unable to perform as expected but it is not for want of trying. I want to thank everyone at home and away in Australia. The barmy army have been class as always and I really appreciate it.
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“Whatever happens I will continue to push the limits to get back again. It has been a tough road these past few months but I remain determined to give it another proper go. I still believe we can turn things around. Never give in. Come on England.”
Australia have similarly suffered a setback with the news that an achilles injury has ruled out Josh Hazlewood from featuring at all. In his absence, and with Pat Cummins having also missed the first two Tests while completing rehab on a back problem, Mitchell Starc has stepped up with 18 wickets.
Cummins, the captain, is expected to return for the third Test in Adelaide that gets under way on 17 December, likewise the spinner Nathan Lyon after missing the day-nighter at the Gabba for tactical reasons. For England, licking their wounds while on a short break in Noosa, north of Brisbane, the challenge will only increase.
