Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes 2025/26 following the injury he sustained during the first test in Perth.

Meanwhile, England has named Matthew Fisher as his replacement. Fisher, who played only one test, which came against the West Indies in 2022, is already in Australia as a part of the England Lions squad.

The 36 year old Mark Wood was hoping to be available for the last two tests, in Melbourne and Sydney, but at the same time, he admitted that age was catching up with him.

“Wood will return home later this week and will work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery,” an ECB statement said.

“Gutted to be out the remainder of the Ashes,” said Mark Wood. “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. 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,” he added.

“I’m really sorry that it has left me unable to perform as expected but it is not for want of trying. 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.”

Mark Wood had surgery on his left knee after staggering out of England’s champions trophy campaign in February. He played in the first test bowling 11 wicketless overs across the match and was sent to a specialist after reporting pain in his knee.

He missed the second test in Brisbane, which Australia won by eight wickets to take 2-0 lead.

Earlier in the day, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the series after developing an Achilles injury during his recovery from hamstring injury.

Trailing the series 2-0, England will be aiming to make comeback during the third test, which will be played between December 17 and 21 on Adelaide OvalNorth Adelaide.