The Wood Life: A Not So Helpful How-To Guide on Surviving Cricket, Life and Everything in Between

FOREWORD BY BEN STOKES Hallo - I’m Mark Wood. As an England and Durham cricketer who was born, raised and refined in Ashington, Northumberland, my life has been quite unique. Over the course of my career so far, I’ve won an Ashes and a World Cup in an international career that at the time of writing is going on seven years and counting. Being a fast bowler like myself is up there with the toughest of all sporting pursuits, like being Tyson Fury’s punchbag or working behind the bar during the darts at Ally Pally. Being a cricketer? There’s nothing like it. And doing it for England? Well, I’m lucky to call it a profession. There’s been a lot of hard work along the way. Plenty of sacrifices and pain to accompany the good times that make them all worthwhile. I’ve been everywhere, from Barbados to Brisbane, Chester-le-Street to Chennai, waiting rooms to operating tables. I’ve played in some of the most exotic locations in the world and eaten margherita pizzas in every single one of them. To be honest, it’s amazing I’ve waited this long to bring out my own self-help book.

Mark Wood is an England and Durham fast bowler. Since making his international debut in 2015, he has represented his country in all three formats, enjoying an Ashes win and playing a vital part of England’s first ODI World Cup triumph in 2019, where he bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament. He has become a cult hero among England fans, his vibrant personality endearing him to young and old alike.