Mark Wood Ruled Out of Ashes, Matthew Fisher Called Up as Replacement

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series after suffering a recurrence of the left-knee injury he picked up during the first Test in Perth. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Wood will return home later this week to begin rehabilitation with the ECB medical team.

In his place, Matthew Fisher has been drafted into the squad. The 26-year-old seamer, who made his lone Test appearance against West Indies in 2022, is already in Australia with the England Lions and will join the senior squad ahead of the third Test in Adelaide, starting December 17.

Fisher, a six-foot-two bowler known for his high release point and natural seam movement, strengthens England’s pace stocks as they try to spark a comeback in the series after falling 2–0 behind.

Wood “Gutted” After Injury Setback

Wood, who turns 36 in January, had hoped to be fit for the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney. However, after reporting renewed pain in his knee, scans revealed the injury was more serious than initially feared.

“Gutted to be out the remainder of the Ashes,” Wood wrote on Instagram. “After extensive surgery and seven long, hard months of work and rehab… my knee just hasn’t held up. None of us expected this. I came here with high expectations about making a big impact.”

The fast bowler said he had undergone further injections and treatment in an attempt to stay in contention but ultimately accepted he could not perform at Test level.

“I’m really sorry it has left me unable to perform as expected but it is not for want of trying… I remain determined to give it another proper go. I still believe we can turn things around. Never give in. Come on, England.”

Wood underwent knee surgery earlier this year after being forced out of England’s Champions Trophy campaign in February. His appearance in Perth was his first Test in 15 months, but he bowled only 11 wicketless overs before reporting discomfort and missing the second Test in Brisbane.

Australia Also Hit by Injury, but Cummins Returns

On the same day Wood was ruled out, Australia confirmed that Josh Hazlewood will also miss the rest of the Ashes due to an Achilles injury. However, the hosts will regain captain Pat Cummins for the Adelaide Test, while opener Usman Khawaja is expected to be available after recovering from a back issue.

The third Test begins on December 17 at Adelaide Oval, with England aiming to keep the series alive.