The Ashes: Will Mark Wood feature in series opener?
The Ashes: Will Mark Wood feature in series opener?
Mark Wood's chances of featuring in the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia have improved significantly.
The fast bowler, who had a hamstring scare during a warm-up match against England Lions last week, showed promising signs during a 40-minute bowling session at Perth's Optus Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite his left leg being heavily strapped, Wood was able to bowl at full pace without any issues.
Wood's performance in the nets
During the training session, Wood impressed both his teammates and coaches with his pace.
Jamie Smith, one of the batters who faced him in the nets, told ESPNcricinfo that he was "absolutely rapid today."
This comes as a relief for England as they plan to field an all-pace attack on what is considered one of the fastest pitches in the world.
Wood's experience and past performance
Wood is not just the fastest bowler in the touring party but also the only specialist with prior Ashes tour experience.
He was the leading wicket-taker for England in the 2021-22 series Down Under, recording 17 scalps at an average of 26.64.
He unsettled several batters still part of the current Australia side, making his potential inclusion all the more important for England's strategy.
Wood's fitness and selection risk
Despite not playing competitive cricket since February, Wood's fitness has been a major concern for the England management.
He has recovered from his left knee surgery for nine months, following a stress fracture of the right elbow in September 2023.
As of now, the right-arm speedster has taken 119 wickets from 37 Tests at an average of 30.42. His tally includes 5 five-wicket hauls.
England squad for Ashes
England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Josh Tongue, and Mark Wood.