Former CSK, LSG pacer announces retirement from international cricket, says it was 'not a surprise'

England pacer Mark Wood has brought the curtain down on his international career at the age of 36, ending an 11-year England journey that included two World Cup titles and an Ashes series victory. The express fast bowler finished with 119 Test wickets, 80 ODI wickets and 54 T20I wickets.

For Indian Premier League fans, Wood's career also featured stints with two franchises - Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.

Wood entered the IPL with CSK in 2018 after being bought for Rs 1.5 crore. However, his first season was brief, with the England quick making just one appearance and going wicketless. He subsequently stayed away from the tournament for several years before LSG secured him for Rs 7.5 crore ahead of the 2022 season. An injury ruled him out of that campaign.

Wood finally made a major IPL impact in 2023. Playing for Lucknow, he claimed 11 wickets in four matches, including a sensational 5/14 against Delhi Capitals. That remains his best IPL bowling performance.

Overall, Wood played five IPL matches, bowled 20 overs and took 11 wickets at an average of 16.27 and an economy rate of 8.95. His IPL tally also includes one five-wicket haul.

Wood's international retirement came after persistent injury problems. He said medical advice had ruled out a return to Test and 50-over cricket.

"I've made the decision to retire from international cricket. Although this may not come as a surprise given the past year, it just feels like a natural time at the end of my contract," he said.

He added: "Playing for England has been the greatest honour I could have ever wished for and a dream come true."

Wood leaves international cricket with 253 wickets across formats and a reputation for generating genuine pace, while his short IPL career remains a memorable part of his association with Indian cricket.