LONDON: England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes 2025 series due to a recurrence of a left-knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday.
Wood, who had undergone knee surgery following England’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, made his international comeback during the opening Test in Perth. However, after bowling 11 overs in England’s heavy eight-wicket loss, the 35-year-old reported renewed discomfort in the same knee.
Following medical assessment by a specialist, Wood missed the second Test, where England once again slumped to an eight-wicket defeat, falling 0–2 behind in the five-match series. The ECB announced that the experienced seamer will now fly home to begin a structured rehabilitation programme with the board’s medical staff.
In Wood’s absence, the selectors have drafted in Surrey pacer Matthew Fisher, who is already in Australia as part of the England Lions squad. Fisher, who made his Test debut in 2022 against the West Indies, will join the senior team ahead of the third Test.
The Ashes series continues with the third Test scheduled in Adelaide from December 17 to 21, where England will aim to keep the series alive after consecutive defeats.
