Mark Wood ruled out of Ashes remainder, replacement named
Wood to return home later this week and work closely with medical team on his rehabilitation, says ECB
LONDON: Right-arm speedster Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes 2025 against England due to a recurring left-knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday.
Wood, who underwent surgery on his left knee after England's dismal campaign at the ICC Men's Champions Trophy earlier this year, made his long-awaited return to competitive cricket last month in the Ashes series opener in Perth.
The 35-year-old bowled 11 overs across England's gruelling eight-wicket defeat in the first Test and remained wicketless. Wood was subsequently sent to a specialist after he complained of pain in his left knee.
Consequently, Wood missed the second Ashes Test, which saw England suffer another eight-wicket defeat and go down to a 0-2 series deficit.
"England and Durham seamer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes tour of Australia, following a recurrence of the left-knee injury he sustained during the first Test in Perth earlier this month," the ECB said in a statement.
"Wood will return home later this week and work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery," it added.
Wood, as a result, will be replaced by Surrey pacer Matthew Fisher, who has one Test appearance for England, which came in 2022 against West Indies.
The 28-year-old is already in Australia as he was representing England Lions on the tour, and will link up with the senior men's team this week.
"Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher has been added to the senior squad and will link up with the group this week, having been in Australia with the Lions," the ECB announced.
It is pertinent to mention that the third Ashes Test between Australia and England will be played in Adelaide from December 17 to 21.
Comments