Photograph: Robbie Stephenson/PA

Mark Wood was a high-speed hero who put body and soul on the line for England | Taha Hashim

Fast bowler Mark Wood has called time on his international career following a series of significant injury struggles, including a recent knee surgery and subsequent retirement from the sport after the opening fixture of the Ashes last December. Regarded as one of the quickest bowlers to represent England, Wood claimed victories in both the Ashes and a pair of World Cups during an impactful career that was frequently interrupted by lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Throughout his time with the national squad, Wood shared the fast bowling duties alongside Jofra Archer, though the pair managed to feature together in only two Test matches. The first of those shared appearances occurred during a spectator-free fixture in the summer of 2020 amidst pandemic restrictions, while their second and final outing together took place in Perth.