Mark Wood has stated that he will not play in all five matches of the ongoing Ashes versus Australia Down Under. Wood last played for the Three Lions in a red ball encounter in August of last year.
He’s been suffering with an elbow injury, which has contributed to his extended absence. Wood verified the development ahead of the Perth Test during an all-field conversation with former English captain Michael Vaughan.
“Definitely not all five (Tests). I think it just depends; review it after every game. This one, I have not played a lot of cricket, but I have been there before. So, I hope to be fresh enough to keep the speed gun up and do a little bit of work to compete in a Test match,” stated Wood in a video posted by cricket.com.au.
“Definitely not.”
Mark Wood reveals he won’t be playing in every #Ashes Test this summer. pic.twitter.com/NlbWD0j2kA
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 21, 2025
Mark Wood last played for England in international cricket in February 2025, during the Champions Trophy in the UAE.
He was out of competitive cricket for four months due to knee soreness sustained during a match against Afghanistan. Wood was eventually approved to play in the current Test despite hamstring concerns that arose during the warm-up game against the England Lions before to the series.
Speaking of the 2025 Ashes opener, England, after opting to bat, were bowled out for 172 in 32.5 overs courtesy of a splendid seven-wicket effort from Mitchell Starc. Wood was the final wicket to fall, departeing for a golden duck. Only four players from the touring side (Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett) were able to register a double-digit score.
This was Starc’s first seven-wicket haul in a Test innings. He ended up with figures of 7/58 in 12.5 overs. Brendan Doggett (2/27 in 7 overs) and Cameron Green (1/10 in 1 over) were the other wicket-takers for the Aussies.
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