Matthew Fisher Earns England Call-Up as Mark Wood Ruled Out of Ashes

Fisher’s Opportunity in Critical Ashes Series

The 28-year-old has been added to England’s Test squad for the final three Tests of the Ashes after quick Mark Wood was ruled out of the remainder of the series due to injury. This call-up represents a significant opportunity for the Surrey fast bowler as England trail 2-0 in the five-match series and desperately need reinforcements for their bowling attack.

From Record-Breaking Prodigy to International Cricket

Fisher, whose only Test so far came against West Indies in 2022, is a six-foot-two seamer with a high release point. Fisher made his county cricket debut for Yorkshire at the age of 15 in 2013 in a 40-over match against Leicestershire, making him the youngest player to play a competitive county match. In first-class cricket, Fisher has taken 175 wickets in 56 matches at an average of 28.16 and has career best figures of 6-73.

Challenging Position with England Lions

He is already in Australia as part of the England Lions side and will link up with the senior team this week. A solid and dependable county seamer who did himself no harm in his one Test, Fisher has been part of Lions tours on the past three winters but lost his development contract with the national side at the end of 2024. Despite taking only two wickets on the Lions tour, Fisher’s experience with the Kookaburra ball used in Australia strengthens his case.

Critical Test Ahead for England

The third Test in Adelaide starts on December 17. For Fisher, this represents a chance to prove himself at the highest level during one of cricket’s most prestigious series. With England facing a must-win situation to keep their Ashes hopes alive, the Surrey bowler will need to make an immediate impact if selected. His ability to contribute useful runs with the bat adds another dimension to England’s options as they fight to stay in the series.