I’ve watched countless fast bowlers over the years, but there’s something uniquely electric about Wood’s approach to the crease. He doesn’t just bowl fast; he bowls with the fury of a North Sea storm.
Born in the industrial heartland of Ashington, Northumberland, Mark Wood’s height of 6 feet (1.83m) might not scream intimidation like some towering giants of pace bowling, but don’t let that fool you. This man has turned speed into an art form, clocking deliveries that have left batsmen ducking for cover and spectators gasping in amazement.
Mark Wood Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Andrew Wood |
| Date of Birth | 11 January 1990 |
| Age | 35 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Ashington, Northumberland, England |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast |
| Role | Bowler |
| Jersey Number | 33 (ODI & T20I) |
| Spouse | Sarah Lonsdale |
Mark Wood’s age of 35 years represents the perfect blend of experience and physical capability. Born on January 11, 1990, Wood’s journey from the coal-mining town of Ashington to England’s premier fast bowler reads like a modern sporting fairy tale.
The same town that produced footballing legends like Jackie and Bobby Charlton also gifted cricket with this pace sensation. There’s something poetic about Ashington’s industrial heritage producing athletes who work with such raw, unfiltered power.
Education and Early Development
While specific details about Mark Wood’s education aren’t extensively documented, his cricketing education began in the traditional English county system. Starting with Northumberland from 2008-2010, Wood’s real development happened at Durham, where he’s been since 2011.
International Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Bowling Average | Economy Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 37 | 69 | 119 | 30.43 | 3.32 | 6/37 |
| ODI | 70 | 69 | 80 | 40.84 | 5.59 | 4/33 |
| T20I | 38 | 37 | 54 | 20.35 | 8.50 | 3/9 |
| IPL | 5 | 5 | 11 | 16.27 | 8.95 | 5/14 |
Mark Wood’s stats reveal a fascinating narrative across all formats. His Test bowling average of 30.43 showcases his effectiveness in the longest format, while his T20I numbers are particularly impressive – 54 wickets at an average of 20.35 with a strike rate of 14.37 balls per wicket.
His limited IPL experience (just 5 matches) shows explosive potential with 11 wickets at 16.27 average and an incredible strike rate of 10.91. That 5/14 performance demonstrates what happens when Wood is unleashed in T20 cricket.
Similar: Jofra Archer Biography | Chris Woakes Biography
IPL Salary
| Year | Team | Price (INR Crores) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | 1.50 |
| 2022-2024 | Lucknow Super Giants | 7.50 |
That jump from 1.50 crores to 7.50 crores tells you everything about Wood’s evolution as a T20 bowler. The IPL recognized what England fans already knew – when Wood is fit and firing, he’s virtually unplayable.
Mark Wood’s Fastest Ball Records
Mark Wood’s fastest ball isn’t just a number; it’s a statement of intent that echoes across cricket grounds worldwide.
156.6 kmph (97.3 mph) – recorded during a Test match against Pakistan in Multan, 2022. Let that sink in. We’re talking about a delivery that covered 22 yards in less time than it takes to blink twice.
But speed records only tell part of Wood’s story. During the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge in July 2024, he delivered something unprecedented – an entire over where all six balls clocked 150 kmph or above, with the fastest touching 156.26 kmph (97.1 mph).
I’ve seen fast bowlers bowl quick spells, but sustaining that pace for six consecutive deliveries? That’s not just athletic; it’s almost superhuman.
Jersey Number 33
Mark Wood’s jersey number 33 has become synonymous with express pace in English cricket. Whether it’s the ODI or T20I format, that number represents unpredictability and excitement.
Net Worth Analysis
Estimating Mark Wood’s net worth requires looking beyond just match fees and IPL contracts. His England central contract, county salary with Durham, endorsement deals, and IPL earnings combine to create a substantial financial portfolio.
Conservative estimates place his net worth around US $18-19 million, though the private nature of cricket contracts makes exact figures speculative. What’s certain is that pace bowling of Wood’s caliber commands premium prices in modern cricket’s marketplace.
His IPL salary alone over the last few years (7.50 crores annually with Lucknow Super Giants) translates to significant earnings, especially when combined with England match fees and performance bonuses.
International Debut
Wood’s international career began in 2015 – a vintage year that saw him debut across all three formats within months:
- ODI debut: May 8, 2015 vs Ireland
- Test debut: May 21, 2015 vs New Zealand
- T20I debut: June 23, 2015 vs New Zealand
His Test cap number 667 places him in distinguished company in England cricket history. Every England fast bowler since Harold Larwood has contributed to the pace bowling tradition, and Wood represents its modern evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Mark Wood’s height?
A: Mark Wood stands 6 feet (1.83m) tall.
Q: How fast is Mark Wood’s fastest ball?
A: Mark Wood’s fastest recorded delivery is 156.6 kmph (97.3 mph), bowled during a Test match against Pakistan in Multan, 2022.
Q: What is Mark Wood’s current IPL salary?
A: Mark Wood earned 7.50 crores INR annually with Lucknow Super Giants from 2022-2024, representing a significant increase from his 1.50 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings in 2018.
Q: What jersey number does Mark Wood wear?
A: Mark Wood wears jersey number 33 for England in both ODI and T20I formats.
Q: What are Mark Wood’s key career statistics?
A: In 37 Tests, Wood has taken 119 wickets at an average of 30.42. In 70 ODIs, he has 80 wickets at 40.82 average.
Q: Where was Mark Wood born and what’s his educational background?
A: Mark Wood was born in Ashington, Northumberland, England. His cricket education came through the English county system, primarily at Durham.
Q: How old is Mark Wood and when was he born?
A: Mark Wood is currently 35 years old, born on January 11, 1990, in Ashington, Northumberland, England. At 35, he’s in the veteran stage of his career but continues to bowl at express pace.
Q: Which teams has Mark Wood played for in his career?
A: Wood has represented Northumberland (2008-2010), Durham (2011-present), Chennai Super Kings (2018), and Lucknow Super Giants (2022-2024).