Durham express finally halts as Mark wood announces retirement from international cricket.

One of the key architects of the 2019 and 2022 world cup win, Mark wood has called time on his England international career. Following the retirements of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes, Wood’s retirement marks the end of an era of sorts of a solid England side.

Wood, who made his England debut as a tearaway quick against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2015, took 119 wickets from 38 Tests. He also finished with 80 wickets in 70 ODIs and 54 in 38 T20Is, making him England’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game. 

He overcame a difficult side strain as he played throughout the 2019 world cup and also bowled those crucial overs in the World cup final.

Three years later, he claimed nine wickets in four matches as England won the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia on a splendid evening at the MCG. 

Wood wasn’t done yet. His return to the Test side in 2023 produced another memorable Ashes moment, with his searing spell at Headingley helping England recover from 2-0 down and eventually draw the series 2-2. The highlight of that series was that partnership with Chris Woakes at Headingley which helped win a tensed test match.

"Playing for England has been the greatest honour I could have ever wished for and a dream come true. The little lad in me would be so chuffed to have played so much for England. To travel the world, meet incredible people and play against the best, is something I feel incredibly lucky to have done, doing something I have loved.” Wood was quoted saying.

England manager Rob Key also heaped praises on Wood acknowledging his contribution to the Ashes series in the 2023 summer.

“To have been a point of difference in Ashes series wins, a World Cup, and to have thrilled crowds every time he got the ball in his hand is something very few players achieve. He can look back with enormous pride on a career very well spent.”

Minus his injuries, Wood would have been twice the bowler he eventually was as the impact of his relentless pace and accuracy will be difficult to match.