Wood aims to regain England place after injury concerns
England pacer Mark Wood says he is taking a cautious approach to his recovery as he targets a return to international cricket later this year.
Mark Wood is among the fastest bowlers to ever bowl for England, but has been hit with injuries in his career.
The 36-year-old had surgery in March 2025 on his left knee and made his return to Test cricket after a 15-month hiatus in the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth late last year. However, he only bowled 11 overs before being ruled out for the remainder of the series.
His last ODI appearance was back in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy in 2025 against Afghanistan in Lahore.
“I need to take it slow,” Wood said on BBC’s Strategic Timeout Programme while speaking about his rehabilitation from injury.
“Realistically, I've got maybe one more chance at doing this right. If I rush it back, then it's not good. That could be it.”
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Wood has been working his way back from surgery, but has faced further setbacks after briefly returning to action in Perth, a cycle he admits has been frustrating and difficult to manage.
“It’s mega frustrating. It’s been a long time, over a year since I had the initial surgery,” he added.
“To build it back up for seven months to play one game, and then be out again takes its toll.”
However, despite his injury, Wood is aiming to add to his 146 caps and 253 wickets across formats for England.
“I’m still trying to get back to bowling, hopefully later on in the summer,” he said.
“You’ve got to keep your eye on the prize, which is ultimately for me, trying to get to playing for England. That’s my focus.”
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The veteran pacer also admitted that his age is a concern with recovery and is hoping to find his way back.
“With the age I’m at, I don’t want to miss games. You want to be involved. I was bowling quickly and well before this injury started and I haven’t been able to get back to that level.”
England’s first World Test Championship clash of the home summer against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on 4 June.
The Scoreboard shows the fastest bowlers in the match during day one of the First 2025/26 Ashes Series Test Match at Perth Stadium. // (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
England’s Test series schedule against New Zealand:
First Test: June 4 - 8, Lord’s
Second Test: June 17 - 21, The Oval
Third Test: June 25 - 29, Trent Bridge