Wood pushing his selection case with rapid practice sessions as fast bowler hit his stride in the Perth nets.
‘Absolutely rapid’ Wood pushes for first Test selection after injury scare.
With a 40-minute stint in the nets at Perth’s Optus Stadium, where the Ashes start on Friday, Mark Wood’s prospects of participating in the opening Test match against Australia improved on Tuesday.
Wood, whose left leg was severely bandaged, first observed as England resumed training following a few days off after recovering from a hamstring scare during the warm-up match against the England Lions last week. But before long, he was working with the ball in a significant way, as Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum examined their valuable asset from the perspective of the standing umpire.
“He was absolutely rapid today, I can tell you that firsthand,” said Jamie Smith, who was one of the batters facing Wood. “He’s definitely one to avoid on the list. He’s near enough full tilt so it’s good signs for us.”
On a pitch that is thought to be among the quickest in the world, England is anticipated to choose an all-pace attack. Before training, they received their first glimpse at the surface, which had been watered yesterday.
In addition to being the fastest member of the touring team and possibly the circuit, Wood is an essential part of their strategy because he is the only specialist bowler with prior Ashes tour experience. During the 2021–22 series, Wood was the most impressive fast bowler, collecting 17 wickets at a rate of 26.64. Several of the hitters he disturbed are still on the current Australian team.
Wood’s performance on Wednesday and his ability to complete another practice later in the day will be crucial. After suffering a stress fracture to his right elbow in September 2024, he has been recuperating from left knee surgery for the past nine months, and he hasn’t played competitive cricket since February.
Choosing Wood is still risky, but it will be mitigated by the presence of four other quicks, including Stokes, and Jofra Archer, who can offer additional support in terms of express pace. Additionally, England is more than willing to take that risk.
Josh Tongue, the likely beneficiary if Wood is deemed unfit for selection, reiterated that sentiment: “It feels like if he’s good to go and the management feels he’s good to go, I don’t see why not.”