England Suffer Massive Blow Ahead of Do-or-die Test

England’s attempt to turn their Ashes campaign around has suffered a major blow, with Mark Wood ruled out of the remainder of the series after a left-knee injury. The 35-year-old speedster re-injured the knee that troubled him during the opening Test in Perth. This was his first competitive outing since undergoing surgery in February. Mark Wood will now be unavailable for the final three Tests, the first of which begins at Adelaide Oval on December 17. He is set to fly home later this week to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the ECB’s medical staff.

Mark Wood Ruled Out of The Ashes 2025-26

Mark Wood injury is another setback in his career and, given his age, is likely to fuel debate about his long-term role in England’s Test plans as he has been ruled out of the remainder of the 3 Ashes Tests. Mark Wood replacement in the England squad has been filled by Surrey’s Matthew Fisher, who has been part of the England Lions setup in Australia.

The 25-year-old has played just one Test so far during 2022 in the West Indies, where he finished with match figures of 1 for 21, and now has an unexpected opportunity to re-enter the international frame. However, he has an impressive First-Class record, with 175 wickets in 56 matches, including several four and five-wicket hauls.

Wood’s absence comes as a significant setback for an England side already under pressure in the series. They were beaten by eight wickets in the opening Test at Perth, where the fast bowler managed just 11 overs without a wicket. The recurring knee problem had also sidelined him during England’s home campaign against India earlier in the year, adding to worries about his long-term fitness.

England also lost the second Test at the Gabba by 8 wickets and is in serious trouble in the series, and is in desperate need of a win in the 3rd Ashes Test, otherwise the series will be done and dusted by the Aussies.

England On the Verge of Losing the Ashes 2025-26

England head into the third Test with their Ashes campaign hanging by a thread, which makes one of the greatest rivalry in cricket even more interesting. They are down 2–0 after heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane, and will have to rewrite history if they aim to clinch the Ashes on Australian soil. The batting unit has shown major concerns, failing to stitch together the partnerships needed against Australia, while the bowling group has been hit hard by injuries.

The loss of Mark Wood for the remainder of the series, after his knee problem, has removed their genuine express-pace option, forcing England to rely heavily on the likes of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. England’s bowlers have struggled to maintain pressure, and lapses across the field have occurred, as there have been multiple dropped catches. Australia controlled the 2nd Test match and closed out an eight-wicket victory with ease.

As the series reaches a critical point, there is no margin of error for the England side. The Adelaide Test represents their final opportunity, and they must bat with far more discipline and cut out fielding mistakes if they are to keep the Ashes alive. The English side needs to have an all-round effort from the team; otherwise, they will witness the Ashes urn in the hands of the Aussies yet again.