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Mark Wood sidelined from The Ashes with knee injury; ECB announces replacement

Rajgeeta Yadav

Mark Wood ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes 2025-26 [Source: AP photos]Mark Wood ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes 2025-26 [Source: AP photos]

England have suffered a major setback in the ongoing Ashes series, as fast bowler Mark Wood has officially been ruled out for the rest of the tour. The England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news on December 9, saying that Wood’s left-knee injury has flared up again. This is the same injury he picked up during the first Test in Perth.

Mark Wood sidelined for entire Ashes 2025-26

According to the ECB, Wood will fly back home later this week. Once back, he will work with the board’s medical team to begin his recovery and rehabilitation. 

The 35-year-old speedster had already missed the second Test at The Gabba due to the same injury and will now be unavailable for the remaining three matches, starting with the third Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Notably, Wood’s injury is a big blow for England, who are already struggling in the series. They lost the first Test to Australia by eight wickets in Perth, where Wood bowled only 11 overs and failed to take a wicket. The same knee issue had also kept him out of England’s home series against India earlier this year, raising further concerns about his fitness.

Matthew Fisher joins England squad

To fill the gap left by Wood, England has added Surrey pacer Matthew Fisher to the squad. Fisher has been in Australia with the England Lions and will join the senior team this week. The 26-year-old has played just one Test for England so far, against the West Indies, where he took one wicket for 21 runs in 27 overs. 

However, he has an impressive First-Class record, with 175 wickets in 56 matches, including several four- and five-wicket hauls.

It is important to mention that England will now face Australia in the third Test at Adelaide, starting December 17. The visitors are under pressure, having lost both opening matches and trailing 2-0 in the series. 

Without a win so far and now missing one of their pacers, England’s chances of making a comeback have become even more difficult.