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The Ashes 2025-26 series so far has been a brutal contest, with the injury ward seeing as much action as the pitch itself, compounded by Australia’s commanding 2-0 lead. Following the news that Australian superstar Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the rest of the series, England have been hit by a corresponding blow to its own pace attack. Their fast bowler, Mark Wood, has suffered an immediate recurrence of a long-term issue, forcing the team into a desperate search for pace reinforcements for the remaining three matches.
Mark Wood’s unfortunate end in the Ashes 2025-26 for England
England’s premium fast bowler Wood has been officially ruled out of the entire remainder of the Ashes series after suffering a recurrence of a left-knee injury during the first Test in Perth. The injury is a significant setback for the 35-year-old, whose career has been repeatedly halted by various physical issues.
- Injury Details: Wood sustained a recurrence of the left-knee injury that had previously required surgery and kept him out of action for 15 months, including England’s Champions Trophy campaign.
- Match Involvement: The first Test was his comeback match, but he bowled only 11 wicketless overs before reporting pain in his knee. He subsequently missed the second Test in Brisbane, which Australia won by eight wickets.
- Official Statement: The decision was finalized to send Wood home for focused recovery. An ECB statement confirmed: “Wood will return home later this week and will work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery.”
With the recurrence coming so soon after his previous surgery, and Wood acknowledging that his age (he turns 36 in January) is catching up with him, his Test future remains a serious question mark. His exit leaves a gaping void in England’s strategy, particularly the loss of his genuine pace in Australian conditions.
England’s immediate replacement for the remaining Ashes 2025-26 vs Australia
To cover the loss of their speedster, the England camp has immediately called up a new face to join the senior squad. The replacement is already in Australia, having been training with the England Lions, and will link up with the Test team immediately to prepare for the crucial third Test in Adelaide on December 17.
- Replacement Details: Matthew Fisher, a 28-year-old seamer from Surrey, has been drafted into the squad. Fisher is a tall, six-foot-two seamer known for his high release point, which offers a different challenge to the Australian batters.
- Lack of Experience: Fisher brings minimal experience to the high-pressure environment of the Ashes, having played only one Test for England so far, against the West Indies in March 2022, where he took his only Test wicket.
- Recent Form: Although he has been active in Australia with the Lions, his recent figures include an expensive spell of 0/105 from 31 overs against Australia A in Brisbane. His presence provides cover for the growing list of injured English fast bowlers but does not offer the express pace or experience of the player he is replacing.
Also WATCH: Steve Smith takes a blinder to dismiss Will Jacks in the AUS vs ENG 2nd Test | Ashes 2025-26
