Mark Wood’s Injury Update
In Perth on November 13, England’s fast bowler Mark Wood is set to have a precautionary scan on Friday after experiencing stiffness in his hamstring during the first day of a warm-up match against the England Lions. After bowling eight overs, Wood had to leave the field during the afternoon session but is anticipated to return to bowling in two days.
Wood’s participation was limited to just eight overs in the warm-up match before he had to exit due to his hamstring issue. As a crucial player for England in their quest to reclaim the Ashes after a decade, his availability for the opening match now hangs in the balance following this incident at Lilac Hill Park.
This match marked Wood’s first red-ball appearance in nine months, during which he bowled two spells of four overs each. He left the field right after completing his eighth over.
According to a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), “The plan for Mark Wood was for him to bowl eight overs today. He has some stiffness in his hamstring, which has kept him off the field for some time during the second session of the first day and will undergo a precautionary scan tomorrow. He is expected to bowl again in two days’ time. It is unlikely he will return to the field today.”
At 35 years old, Wood has played 11 Tests against Australia and is regarded as one of England’s most potent bowlers. He recorded figures of 0-29 in his eight overs before leaving the match. Wood has been out of action due to a knee injury and has not played in an international game since February.
Australia is also facing injury issues, with Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott sustaining injuries during their Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales. Hazlewood has been cleared to participate in the Perth Test, while Abbott will not be available for selection and is expected to miss the Ashes opener.
Additionally, Australia will be without their regular captain Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury. Given his recent performance in the nets, Cummins is likely to return for the second Test at the Gabba.
