England's Mark Wood Hits Back at Criticism

England fast bowler Mark Wood opens up about his teammates' comments in the media and defends the team's work ethic. Read more.

England fast bowler Mark Wood acknowledges that some comments made by his teammates to the media have been “a bit dumb and naive.” This admission comes as England, under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, has become known for their bold and forthright approach both on and off the field.

Wood's comments highlight the team's culture of speaking their minds, which has sometimes led to notable quotes in the media. Despite this, the team has garnered attention for their aggressive play and unapologetic attitude under their current leadership.

England players have made headlines for their candid comments in the media. Ben Duckett once said he'd accept a 3-0 loss in a one-day international series if it meant winning the Champions Trophy, while Zak Crawley described the team as being “not about winning or losing, we're about entertainment” during the 2023 Ashes.

England's managing director of men's cricket, Rob Key, acknowledged that the players “speak a lot of rubbish a lot of the time.” Mark Wood also weighed in, saying, “Sometimes we've been so... naive, a bit dumb, in the things we say in the press. We'll say things in the dressing room, and that is in the dressing room. It should stay there.”

Mark Wood expressed concern about England players making off-the-cuff comments in the press, saying, “Then we come out in the press and we'll say an off-the-cuff one-liner that maybe a group of lads have been talking about, it's in the press, then it looks like we're 'Billy Big Boots', above our station. I don't particularly like that. We've got to be respectful.” Wood emphasized the need for the team to maintain a level of professionalism in their public interactions.

Wood also addressed criticism about the team's focus on golf rather than cricket, saying, “One thing that does bother me is this narrative of 'Golf, golf, golf'.” He pushed back against suggestions that England players aren't training hard enough, defending the team's work ethic. This criticism had previously been levied after a disappointing tour of India under former captain Kevin Pietersen's observations.

Mark Wood says the narrative that golf is more important to England’s players than training is ‘not true at all’ 🏌 pic.twitter.com/TpsUbxvpiw

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 1, 2025

Mark Wood distanced himself from the golf narrative, stating, “I don't play golf. I don't like it. It's not a game for me. I know the lads enjoy it and that's their time off.” He emphasized that the team's training regimen is rigorous, adding, “At times, it's as if the golf is more important, and that is not true at all. We train hard.”

Wood, who has faced numerous injuries, is currently recovering from knee surgery. Despite initial estimates suggesting a four-month layoff, he hopes to play for Durham in July and potentially make himself available for England's Test series against India. “I would hope to try to play a couple of games in July for Durham, then put myself forward for the England stuff, but that's a long way away to look,” Wood said.