Mark Wood, the England fast bowler, is excited to play for England in the upcoming five-match Ashes series against Australia down under later this month, starting with the first Test at the Optus Stadium
in Perth on November 21. The 35-year-old underwent knee surgery six months ago and following a “boring” injury rehabilitation process, during which he missed out on playing cricket in the English summer, he shared his excitement about bowling in front of the batters once again.
Notably, Mark Wood was a key part of England’s last Ashes series in Australia in the 2021-22 season, playing four out of five matches, taking 17 wickets at 26.64 average including his career best figures of 6/37 in the fifth and final Test at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. He had to miss out on playing in the first Ashes Test in Perth on the previous tour due to the strict Covid policy implemented at the time by the Western Australian state.
While the veteran pacer has played only T20I cricket at the Optus Stadium, he called the pitches at the venue as “rapid” ahead of the first Ashes Test. Mark Wood, eager to play after recovery from knee injury, also spoke about his current fitness levels, as per ESPNcricinfo, “I wouldn't say I'm at 100%. I think it's very hard to train 100% all of the time. I've been off my full run-up and stuff, and I've been trying to just up the intensity as I go along. I'm sure in the practice game coming up, I can try and up it a little bit more again and gradually get ready for that first game.”
I'm feeling that excitement building to the first game: Mark Wood ahead of Ashes opener in Perth
The England fast bowler also called the outdoor training sessions at Lilac Hill Park in Perth a significant improvement in comparison with cold and damp weather at home currently, where he practiced in a heated tent prior to making his way to Australia. He also detailed his rehabilitation period and said, “It was boring to start with, bowling by myself, but to now bowl in front of the batters, it's exciting. It's now feeling like the start of the tour, and I'm feeling that excitement building to the first game.”
Moreover, the pace of Mark Wood in excess of 90mph on a regular basis could come really handy for England in the Ashes, especially on faster pitches in Perth and Brisbane, the venues of the first two matches of the series.
