‘Fast’ Wood bowls in nets to enhance Ashes aspirations

Mark Wood’s prospects of being included in the initial Ashes Test seem to be improving after the England fast bowler delivered a «quick» performance in the nets in Perth on Tuesday.

Wood hasn’t participated in a Test match since August 2024 and experienced some tightness in his left hamstring during England’s singular Ashes practice match.

Following a scan that ruled out any serious hamstring issues, the 35-year-old joined England’s initial training session at Perth Stadium.

With heavy support on his left knee – he underwent surgery earlier this year – Wood began by bowling from a few paces and then escalated to what seemed to be full speed off his complete run.

Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who faced Wood during training, remarked: «He was incredibly fast today. I can tell you that directly.

«He’s certainly one to steer clear of on the batting list. He was nearly at full pace, so it bodes well for us.»

England may announce their eleven for Friday’s initial Test against Australia on Wednesday.

Wood could be included in a five-man England pace attack on what is anticipated to be a lively pitch. On Wednesday, the West Australian newspaper featured an image of the Perth pitch on its front cover, dubbing it a «green monster».

Ten players seem poised to be traveling with the team: the usual top seven, including the fit-again captain Ben Stokes, alongside seamers Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson.

Should England choose to exclude Wood, his position might go to fellow pacer Josh Tongue or spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks.

Tongue stated he sees no reason why Wood wouldn’t be ready for the first Test.

«If his body holds up and the team management believes he’s alright to play, I don’t see why not,» stated Tongue.

Wood, recognized as one of the quickest bowlers to compete in Test cricket for England, has experienced a troubled injury record.

His latest hiatus from the Test squad started 15 months back due to an elbow concern. Upon his return to white-ball cricket earlier this year, he suffered a knee injury that necessitated surgery.

Though his participation comes with a degree of risk, England would be eager to field him for his speed, previous achievements against Australia, and the significance of starting the series on a strong note.

If England opts for five seamers, Wood’s workload could be distributed among the other four. It might be comparatively more challenging to include him later in the series when a spinner is required, which would limit the pace bowlers to only three for distributing the workload.

Wood was named among five seamers – including all-rounder Stokes – for England’s solitary warm-up match against England Lions at Lilac Hill last week.

He bowled eight overs across two four-over spells on the initial day – a load that England indicated was premeditated – but he exited the field halfway through the afternoon session.

He underwent a scan and received a clean bill of health on Saturday morning but did not participate further in the tour match.

Australia is expected to be without captain Pat Cummins and fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood for the opening match, with Brendan Doggett poised for a debut.

Cummins, who is recuperating from a back injury, has been bowling in the Perth nets as he works toward a possible return for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey did not rule out Cummins surprising everyone by playing in the first Test, but it is believed the skipper will remain sidelined.

«The main factor for Pat is the workload and ensuring he can bowl enough overs while avoiding any other injuries,» stated Carey.

«It appeared his rhythm was returning. It’s wonderful to see and for him to be around the team – he’s an excellent leader.

«It seems like he is preparing really well. We hope to see him back in action soon.»