England face huge blow as star player ruled out of Ashes 2025/26

Already 2-0 down heading into the third Test of the Ashes 2025/26 at Adelaide, England face a massive blow as their premier pacer, Mark Wood, has been ruled out of the remainder of the trip down under following a recurrence of the left-knee injury that he sustained during the opening Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Mark Wood, who was out of the entire home summer in 2025 against India for the five Tests and didn’t even feature in the one-day Trent Bridge Test match against Zimbabwe, was recovering to feel fit and fresh for the Ashes 2025/26 trip. But the 35-year-old admitted that age was catching up with him.

“Gutted to be out for 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.” Wood wrote on his Instagram post.

England star ruled out of Ashes 2025/26 as ECB names replacement

Matthew Fisher has been added to the squad as a replacement. His only Test so far came against the West Indies three years ago. The six-foot-two seamer is already part of the Australia series and will link with the senior side before the third fixture on December 17.

“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.” Wood added.

Fisher ended with one wicket in his 27 overs during the lone Test at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Overall, he has 175 wickets in 98 innings at an average of 28 for Yorkshire. England will have to win the third Test to stay alive in the series.