England's pace attack has been dealt a significant blow, but veteran speedster Mark Wood remains determined to make a comeback this summer. The 36-year-old, known for generating some of the fastest deliveries ever seen in English cricket, is targeting a return to bowling later in the season after a devastating knee injury cut short his Ashes campaign.

Wood underwent surgery on his left knee in March 2025 and managed to return for the first Test against Australia in Perth last November. However, after bowling just 11 overs, he was ruled out for the remainder of the series—a heartbreaking setback after 15 months on the sidelines due to a previous elbow issue and the ongoing knee problem.

"I need to take it slow," Wood admitted during an appearance on the BBC's Strategic Timeout programme. "Realistically I've got maybe one more chance at doing this right. If I rush it back, then it's not good, that could be it."

The Durham right-armer, who has earned 146 international caps across all formats, is under central contract with England until the autumn. Despite the mounting frustrations, he remains laser-focused on representing his country again. "You've got to keep your eye on the prize, which is ultimately for me trying to get to playing for England. That's my focus," he said.

Wood's absence comes at a time of transition for England's pace bowling unit, with fellow veteran James Anderson also facing questions about his future in Test cricket. For Wood, the stakes are personal. "It's mega frustrating. It's been a long time, over a year since I had the initial surgery. To build it back up for seven months to play one game, and then be out again takes its toll," he explained.

At 36, Wood is acutely aware that time is not on his side. "With the age I'm at, I don't want to miss games. You want to be involved. I was bowling quickly and well before this injury started and I haven't been able to get back to that level."

Last month, he admitted to contemplating life after cricket if this latest rehabilitation doesn't go according to plan. But for now, the man who once clocked 97mph in a Test match is refusing to give up. "I'm still trying to get back to bowling, hopefully later on in the summer," he said.

For England fans and cricket enthusiasts, seeing Wood charge in with that explosive action is one of the sport's great sights. Whether he can overcome this latest hurdle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this fighter isn't ready to hang up his spikes just yet.