Ashes 2025-26: Mark Wood Ruled Out After Knee Injury Setback

Mark Wood has been ruled out of the Ashes after his knee injury returned and England have called up Matthew Fisher as his replacement.

England confirmed that Mark Wood will miss the rest of the Ashes after his left-knee injury flared up again following the first Test in Perth. The 35-year-old prepares to travel home this week and begins a new rehabilitation phase with the ECB medical staff.

England called up Matthew Fisher who played his only Test in 2022 against West Indies. Fisher has been in Australia with the Lions and will join the senior squad ahead of the third Test in Adelaide on December 17. Wood had initially hoped to return for the Melbourne and Sydney matches.

“England and Durham seamer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes tour of Australia, following a recurrence of the left-knee injury he sustained during the first Test in Perth earlier this month. Wood will return home later this week and work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery,” the official statement from ECB read.

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The Perth Test marked Wood’s first appearance in 15 months after surgery earlier in the year, yet he delivered only 11 overs before discomfort forced further assessment. He missed the Brisbane Test, where Australia claimed an eight-wicket win to move 2-0 ahead.

Australia also lose Josh Hazlewood for the series. However, Pat Cummins strengthens their attack with his return. Usman Khawaja is also likely to rejoin after recovering from a back issue.