He went on to outline his plans for a return in ECB cricketer-of-the-year Mark Wood’s case to come in T20 matches for Durham in mid-June. He’s returning, as he performs and prepares to return from a painful knee injury. He has ambitions for the rescheduled summer Ashes campaign in Australia, which gets underway in Perth on November 21.
Wood’s last game on the pitch came in February, before undergoing surgery to repair his troublesome knee. His absence will be felt dearly, particularly after his outstanding form on the last Ashes tour in 2021-22. He single-handedly obliterated that series, claiming 17 wickets over four Tests, including an astonishing nine wickets in the fifth Test at Hobart.
The England cricket team knows how important Wood is to them winning back the Ashes. His pace and experience can add another dimension to their game, and he can change the dynamic of the team. All four teams are preparing for a tough triangular series against Australia. More importantly, England has made Wood’s long-term health and fitness a priority. So they’ve developed a very thoughtful reintegration plan to welcome him back.
Looking ahead, I think at least one or two of those games, I’ll be playing, Wood said. He outlined his ambition to play in the rest of Durham’s County Championship matches. The club is in the midst of their final three matches of the season. This provides him with an ample opportunity to get back into form before going to Australia.
Wood had plenty of motivation to get back on the squad. He missed selection from the squad named today for next month’s white-ball series against South Africa and Ireland. This decision demonstrates England’s faith in his preparedness for the Ashes. No one wants to see him rushed back into international action – it’s crucial that he is fully fit as the very tough series to come.
Wood has collected a splendid 119 wickets in his mere 37 test matches. He has successfully made himself a linchpin of the England bowling attack. His ability to deliver under pressure and take crucial wickets will be vital if England hopes to succeed in the Ashes.
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