England quick Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes, with the England Cricket Board confirming he will return home to work on his rehabilitation.
The injury is a recurrence of the knee injury that he suffered in Perth during the first Test.
Wood missed the Gabba Test, but stated that he hoped to be ready to go for Boxing Day.
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Mark Wood of England. Getty
Now however he won’t feature at any point, a huge blow for an English side yet to take 20 wickets in a match.
He will return home this week and has been replaced in the squad by Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher.
Wood took to Instagram to express his frustration after working so hard to get back into the Test side.
“Gutted to be out the remainder of the Ashes. After extensive surgery and seven long, hard months of work and rehab to get back into the Test arena, my knee just hasn’t held up,” Wood said on Instagram.
“None of us expected this. I came here with high expectations about making a big impact. I’m desperately disappointed that despite yet more injections and intensive medical treatment, it has become clear that the flare up in my knee is worse than feared.
“I’m really sorry that has left me unable to perform as expected but it is not for want of trying.
“I want to thank everyone at home and away in Australia. The barmy army have been class as always and I really appreciate it.
“Whatever happens I will continue to push the limits to get back again. It has been a tough road these past few months but I remain determined to give it another proper go. I still believe we can turn things around. Never give in. Come on England.”
Wood has been destructive for England at his best, helping them recover from a previous two-nil Ashes deficit in 2023.
The injury continues what has been a nightmare run for the visitors so far this series.
