As of June 2025, Luke Wood’s remarkable achievement of taking a wicket with the first ball of a T20I match has garnered significant attention. This feat places him among a select group of bowlers who have made an immediate impact in T20I cricket.
In fact, Luke Wood is the third England bowler to achieve this milestone. Prior to him, Joe Denly made history by dismissing South Africa’s captain Graeme Smith with his first delivery in a T20I match in Centurion in 2009. Additionally, Lewis Gregory achieved the same feat by bowling out New Zealand’s Colin de Grandhomme with his opening delivery in a T20I in Wellington.
This rare accomplishment underscores Luke Wood’s exceptional skill and composure under pressure, marking a significant highlight in his cricketing career.
As of June 2025, Luke Wood has been making significant waves in the cricket world, garnering attention for his recent performances and contributions across various leagues. Here are some of the most talked-about highlights:
England T20I Comeback: Match-Winning Performance
On June 8, 2025, Luke Wood made a triumphant return to international cricket, earning the Player of the Match award in England’s T20 victory over the West Indies in Bristol. He marked his comeback by taking a wicket with the first ball of the match and finished with impressive figures of 2 for 25. His performance was instrumental in England’s four-wicket win, which secured the three-match series.
IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians Signing
In March 2024, Luke Wood was signed by Mumbai Indians as a replacement for the injured Jason Behrendorff ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Wood joined the team for his base price of ₹50 lakhs, bringing with him experience from various T20 leagues, including the Pakistan Super League, where he was the highest wicket-taker for Peshawar Zalmi.
Viral Moment: Stunning Delivery in PSL 2024
During the Pakistan Super League 2024, Luke Wood delivered a sensational ball that left batsman Azam Khan utterly speechless. The delivery was widely praised on social media, with fans and commentators lauding Wood’s skill and precision.
Viral Moment: Clean Bowled Andre Russell in The Hundred
In August 2024, during a match between Trent Rockets and London Spirit in The Hundred, Luke Wood bowled a brilliant slower ball that clean bowled Andre Russell, causing the star batter to fall on his knees in disbelief. The moment quickly went viral, showcasing Wood’s exceptional bowling skills.
These performances have significantly raised Luke Wood’s profile in the cricketing world, earning him recognition for his skill, composure, and impact in various formats and leagues.
England Bowlers to Take a Wicket with the First Ball of a T20I Match
- Joe Denly
- 🗓️ Year: 2009
- 🆚 Opponent: South Africa
- 📍 Venue: Centurion
- 🎯 Wicket: Graeme Smith
- 📝 Details: Denly dismissed the South African captain with his very first delivery, making it one of the rarest events in T20I cricket.
- Lewis Gregory
- 🗓️ Year: 2019
- 🆚 Opponent: New Zealand
- 📍 Venue: Wellington
- 🎯 Wicket: Colin de Grandhomme
- 📝 Details: Gregory struck with a clever delivery, surprising the Kiwi power-hitter early.
- Luke Wood
- 🗓️ Year: 2025
- 🆚 Opponent: West Indies
- 📍 Venue: Bristol
- 🎯 Wicket: Brandon King
- 📝 Details: In a stunning return to international cricket, Wood removed King on the very first ball and went on to be named Player of the Match.
