Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton said England are “optimistic” that fast bowler Mark Wood will feature in the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth from Friday.
Wood suffered a left hamstring strain in the Tourists’ only preliminary game against the Lions last week, but the test results showed no cause for concern and he could be part of the five-man pace attack if he plays his first Test since August 2024.
The 35-year-old, who has not played since February after undergoing knee surgery, appeared to put any lingering fitness concerns to rest by going “absolutely fast” in training on Tuesday, according to teammate Jamie Smith.
Wood bowled eight overs on the first day of England’s Ashes warm-up match against the Lions last week.
If selected, Wood could join fellow players Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Kearse and captain Ben Stokes in the XI, but if he misses out, Josh Tan will most likely be his substitute unless England want the spin of Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.
But it looks like the pitch at Optus Stadium will be fast – nicknamed the “Green Monster” by local media for the past three days – and an all-paced front attack is likely, something hinted at in the squad for last week’s lone warm-up game.
Wood bowled eight overs on the first day of that match before a hamstring strain prevented him from playing further.
Wood has not taken part in a Test since August 2024
The wood is “close enough at full tilt”
Atherton said of Wood’s training efforts: “He put in a good shift and did pretty well. He bowled on Wednesday before England announce their squad and obviously he needs to recover from that, but they seem optimistic about his readiness.”
“He was really quick, I can tell you first hand,” England wicketkeeper Smith said of Wood, whose left leg was tightly bound throughout the session.
Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton said on Tuesday that Wood (pictured) had “put in a good shift”.
“He’s definitely a player to avoid on the (practice) list. He’s close enough to full tilt, so that bodes well for us.”
“I know there are players who bowl at 90 miles an hour, but there are some players you want to avoid at all costs, and I think Woody is definitely one of them, given his reputation on the internet.
“I can’t really complain because it’s obviously great preparation for what we have in store here.”
English seamer Josh Tongue could play in Perth if tourists choose not to risk Wood
Wood’s fellow paceman Tang said: “If he feels he’s OK now and the management feels he’s OK then I don’t see why not.”
“I feel like the group of bowlers that we have now, the likes of Jofra (Archer) and Woody, who have that special element of speed and bouncy wickets and the skills that we have as a group, I think will give us a good chance (in this series).”
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
always UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday 21st November – Tuesday 25th November (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth Second Test (day/night): Thursday 4th December – Monday 8th December (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane Third Test: Wednesday 17th December – Sunday 21st December (12am) – Adelaide Oval Fourth Test: Thursday 25th December – Monday 29th December (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground Fifth Test: Sunday 4th January – Thursday 8th January (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
