England bowler Mark Wood is out of the remaining three Tests of the Ashes series, with the flare up of a knee injury ‘worse than feared.’
The 35-year-old played in the first Test in Perth but sat out the second in Brisbane, although there was hope that he would return before the end of the five-match series.
However, he has now confirmed that he will not play again in Australia and after significant injury problems over his career, his international future is in doubt.
The injury to his left knee required surgery and kept him out for eight months before his return in Perth.
The Durham pace bowler insists he will ‘push the limits to get back again,’ but ahead of his 36th birthday next month, questions over his long-term availability will obviously be asked.
Wood ends the series without a wicket after going bowling 8-1-21-0 in the first Australian innings in Perth and 3-0-23-0 in the second.
Surrey bowler Matthew Fisher has been called up to replace Wood in the touring squad.
Captioning a picture on Instagram of him bowling a bouncer, Wood wrote: ‘This looks short….Like my trip.
‘Gutted to be out the remainder of the ashes. 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.
‘I’m really sorry that has left me unable to perform as expected but it is not for want of trying.
‘I want to thank everyone at home and away in Australia. The Barmy Army have been class as always and I really appreciate it.
‘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.’
Wood has played 38 Tests for England, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.79.
He has also turned out in 70 One Day Internationals, taking 80 wickets at an average of 40.82.
Fisher, 28, came through the ranks at Yorkshire before leaving for Surrey last year.
He has played just one international game before, making his Test debut against the West Indies in Bridgetown in 2022 when he took one wicket at 71.0.
The third Test begins on Wednesday at the Adelaide Oval, although starts at 11.30pm Tuesday UK time.
England must win to keep any hopes of winning the Ashes alive after falling 2-0 behind in the series at the earliest opportunity.