Fast bowler Mark Wood expressed deep regret over his performance during England's disappointing Ashes campaign, stating he looks back on it with "shame."

Battling a knee injury, Wood played in the series opener against Australia, where England suffered a devastating defeat in Perth. After leading by 105 runs with nine second-innings wickets in hand, the tourists collapsed, losing nine wickets for just 99 runs and allowing Australia to chase down a target of 205 in just 28.2 overs, thanks to Travis Head's remarkable 123 runs.

Wood reflected, "Australia were there for the taking... I just look back and think 'what a shame'. It's a total missed opportunity." He noted that his physical readiness was questionable, having gone 16 months without playing a Test due to injuries.

The tour was marred by not only on-field failures but also off-field distractions, with the squad facing intense scrutiny from the media. Wood recounted experiences of being followed by reporters, stating, "It just felt like a huge pressure cooker, more so than normal."

Off-field behavior also drew criticism, particularly during a mid-tour holiday in Noosa, where some players were photographed drinking. Wood, who is teetotal, emphasized that players are responsible for their own choices, saying, "If it is to their detriment... that's up to you as an adult."

The perception of the squad's golfing habits also came under fire, but Wood defended the practice as a way for players to bond and relieve stress. He concluded, "The perception of how it looks to people is worse than what it actually was."

Overall, Wood's reflections highlight the complexities faced by athletes under pressure, both in performance and public perception.