Mark Wood Archives

Struggling England suffer major blow ahead of third Ashes Test

England’s fading Ashes hopes took another hit on Tuesday after fast bowler Mark Wood was officially ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a recurrence of his troublesome left-knee injury.

The veteran pacer, who turns 36 in January, played his first Test in 15 months during the Ashes opener in Perth, which England lost inside two days.

He yielded 11 wicketless overs before he reported pain and was sent for specialist assessment. He subsequently missed the second Test in Brisbane, where Australia cruised to a 2–0 lead.

The fast bowler was aiming to feature in the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

However, discomfort from the same knee that had required extensive surgery earlier this year forced England’s medical staff to withdraw him from the campaign.

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According to an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement, Wood will fly home later this week to continue rehabilitation under the board’s medical team.

“Wood will return home later this week and will work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery,” an ECB statement said.

The fast bowler expressed his frustration in an emotional message on Instagram.

“Gutted to be out the remainder of the Ashes,” he wrote.

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“After extensive surgery and seven long, hard months of work and rehab to get back into the Test arena, my knee just hasn’t held up.

“None of us expected this. I came here with high expectations about making a big impact… I remain determined to give it another proper go. Never give in. Come on, England.”

To fill the void, the ECB confirmed that seamer Matthew Fisher has been added to the senior squad.

The 26-year-old, who played his only Test in 2022 against West Indies, is already in Australia with the England Lions and will join the main squad ahead of the third Test in Adelaide starting December 17.

England’s updated Test squad

Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher.

READ: Australia quick Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Ashes after injury setback

Mark Wood provides update on his availability for third Ashes Test

England pacer Mark Wood has cast serious doubt over his participation in the third Ashes Test, admitting that the physical demands of sustained high-speed bowling are becoming increasingly difficult for him to manage.

The 35-year-old returned to Test cricket in the series opener at Perth after a 15-month absence following left knee surgery that cut short his Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year.

While the comeback marked a significant milestone, the fast bowler endured a frustrating outing, bowling 11 wicketless overs before experiencing renewed knee discomfort.

Since arriving in Brisbane, Wood has been wearing a knee brace and confirmed that ongoing pain has complicated his recovery process.

Speaking during the tea interval on day two of the second Test at the Gabba, the right-armer indicated that the upcoming Adelaide Test, scheduled to begin on December 17, may come too soon.

“I think there’s a chance there, but more realistically, it’s probably more Melbourne and then [Sydney] after that… I need to get out of this [brace] first to get moving around,” Wood said.

He also revealed that he has been relying on painkilling injections since the opening Test and acknowledged that age has started to influence how well his body recovers from the rigours of international cricket.

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“Throughout my career, I’ve tried to show resilience and keep coming back and keep trying to push it where I can bowl faster and faster, but I’m getting older now,” he added.

“I don’t know if my body’s coping as well as it used to, but I’ll keep trying. That’s something I pride myself on—to keep running in for the team and be a good team man. I’m hoping I can get this right and charge in again.”

Despite the setbacks, Mark Wood stressed that his competitive drive remains intact.

According to the pace bowler, the mental battle of rehabilitation has been tougher than the physical aspect, as he works through a slow, step-by-step return to full fitness.

“I’m trying to just get through day-to-day at the moment. Later in the series is what I’m aiming for, but I can’t do that much at the moment,” he added.

“I’ve had a couple of injections, resting up, and slowly but surely, running will start soon, then back into bowling.

“It’s more mentally difficult than physically. You’ve got to try and build it back up and come back again, and that’s probably the more difficult thing.”

READ: Mitchell Starc breaks Wasim Akram’s Test record

Key pacer sidelined as England unveil playing XI for second Ashes Test

BRISBANE: England made one change to their Playing XI for the second Ashes Test after key fast bowler Mark Wood was ruled out of the pink-ball clash against Australia at The Gabba.

Wood’s absence had been widely anticipated after he skipped England’s first training session in Brisbane due to persistent trouble with his left knee.

The pacer managed only 11 overs in the opening Test at Perth and had already suggested earlier in the tour that playing all five matches was never a realistic option.

He has also been seen wearing a heavy brace on his left leg in recent days, reinforcing concerns over his fitness.

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England have opted to strengthen their lower order by bringing in all-rounder Will Jacks in place of Wood, preferring him over frontline spinner Shoaib Bashir.

Jacks, a versatile option who offers off-spin and explosive batting, will bat at No. 8 despite not having featured in a Test match for the past three years.

His limited red-ball experience includes only two Tests, both on England’s 2022 tour of Pakistan, where he impressed with a five-wicket haul on debut.

The shift away from an all-pace attack remains the only change to England’s combination following their crushing eight-wicket defeat in the series opener in Perth, which was wrapped up inside two days.

England Playing XI for the second Ashes Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.

READ: Usman Khawaja ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane

Star England fast bowler set to miss second Ashes Test: report

BRISBANE: England fast bowler Mark Wood is expected to miss the second Ashes Test against Australia at The Gabba as team management looks to carefully manage his recovery, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The decision comes as England aim to preserve their express pacer for the remainder of the Ashes series after his long return from injury.

Wood featured in the opening Test in Perth, which England lost inside two days, marking his first competitive appearance in nearly nine months following knee surgery for medial ligament damage earlier this year.

The 35-year-old bowled 11 overs in that match and was notably absent from England’s first training session in Brisbane on Saturday, the only member of the touring party not present at Allan Border Field.

During the Perth Test, Wood himself admitted in a television interview that he was unlikely to play all five matches of the series.

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He had already been under a fitness cloud before the opening Test after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring during a warm-up fixture at Lilac Hill.

Despite that, he proved his readiness in the nets and delivered in the match with trademark pace, including a 150kph bouncer that struck Cameron Green on the grille.

With England trailing 1-0 in the series, Mark Wood is expected to be rested for the pink-ball Test, with a possible return pencilled in for the third Test in Adelaide.

Josh Tongue is the leading candidate to replace him, while Matthew Potts also remains in contention.

READ: Ehtesham Ahmed becomes first from Pakistan to earn MCC’s 100-match cap

England receive major boost ahead of first Ashes Test

Pace spearhead Mark Wood was on Saturday cleared of any hamstring injury after a precautionary scan, a huge relief for England, just days away from the first Ashes Test against Australia.

The 35-year-old complained of left hamstring stiffness on Friday during the tourists’ only warm-up game before the opening Test in Perth on November 21.

It was his first match in almost nine months following knee surgery, with the veteran getting through eight overs before leaving the field.

“Following precautionary scans on Friday, England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring,” the England Cricket Board said.

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“Wood will continue to train as planned in the build-up to the first Test in Perth.”

He is not expected to feature on the third and final day of England’s game against the second-tier England Lions XI in Perth on Saturday.

Barring further setbacks, Wood is expected to lead the attack in the first Test, potentially alongside Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue.

England, who last lifted the Ashes urn at home in 2015, have lost 13 of their last 15 Tests in Australia. The other two were drawn.

READ: Australia pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Ashes Test

England pacer faces injury scare ahead of first Ashes Test

PERTH: England have been dealt a potential blow ahead of the first Test of the Ashes 2025, with fast bowler Mark Wood experiencing stiffness in his left hamstring during their only warm-up match in Perth.

Wood, returning to competitive action for the first time in nine months following left knee surgery, bowled two four-over spells against the Australia A Lions at Lilac Hill.

He was forced off the field midway through the second session after completing his second spell, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of the series opener at Optus Stadium on November 21.

“The plan for Mark Wood was for him to bowl eight overs today,” the ECB said in a statement.

“He has some stiffness in his hamstring, which kept him off the field for part of the second session of day one.

“He 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.”

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Despite the setback, Wood showed glimpses of his pace and bounce on a relatively slow pitch, although conditions in the warm-up clash were expected to differ significantly from the faster, bouncier surfaces likely for the first Test.

England fielded an all-pace attack against the Lions, with off-spinner Shoaib Bashir not featuring in the main XI.

Captain Ben Stokes led the bowling effort, claiming four of the five wickets to fall before tea, marking his first competitive outing since late July.

The news comes amid a flurry of injury updates in the Australian camp. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was cleared of a hamstring issue, while Sean Abbott was withdrawn after scans revealed a moderate strain in his left hamstring.

The upcoming Ashes series, set to begin in Perth, sees Australia historically dominant, having won 140 of 340 Tests against England, who have claimed 108 victories.

In terms of series wins, Australia lead 34 to 32, adding extra weight to England’s injury concerns as they prepare to challenge the hosts on home soil.

READ: Jannik Sinner cruises past Alexander Zverev to reach last four of ATP Finals

Mark Wood ruled out of 2024 remainder: ECB

Right-arm England speedster Mark Wood has been ruled out of all forms of cricket for the rest of the year due to a right elbow injury.

According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Wood suffered a bone stress injury of the right elbow injury.

The right-arm pacer noticed stiffness and discomfort in his elbow during the home Test series against West Indies but went on to take full part until the opening Test of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka.

“Medical scans have confirmed that Wood has a bone stress injury of the right elbow injury,” shared ECB in a release.

“He had noticed increasing stiffness and discomfort in his elbow during the Rothesay Test series against the West Indies earlier in the summer. He played a full part in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford managing the discomfort whilst he was bowling,” the statement added.

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The cricketing body further revealed that Mark Wood also sustained an injury to his right thigh in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

“During that Test match, Wood also sustained a right thigh injury, which is being managed and from which he is recovering well.

“Wood will continue to work closely with the ECB medical team on his management and rehabilitation.”

As a result, Mark Wood will miss England’s upcoming winter Test tours of Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.

He aims to return to full fitness by early 2025, in time for England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled to begin in February 2025.

READ: Ollie Pope scores century as England make Sri Lanka struggle

Stone replaces Wood in England’s Playing XI for second Sri Lanka Test

LONDON: Right-arm Durham speedster Mark Wood has been replaced by Olly Stone in England’s Playing XI for the second Test of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka.

The England and Wales Cricket (ECB) on Tuesday, announced their lineup for the second Test against Sri Lanka and made just one change to their side which soared to a five-wicket victory.

Right-arm pacer Olly Stone would play his fourth Test for England, coming in as a replacement for Mark Wood, who suffered a thigh injury on the third day of the opening Test in Manchester.

The 34-year-old Durham quick left the field at Old Trafford just two balls into his 11th over

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.Following a thorough assessment by the England medical staff, the injury-prone pacer was advised to rest.

An ECB statement said: “England pace bowler Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury late on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.

“He will not return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team to determine the full extent of the injury.”

Later, it was revealed that Mark Wood has been ruled out of the series remainder against Sri Lanka.

England’s playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka

Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Shoaib Bashir.

READ: No Rashid Khan in Afghanistan’s preliminary squad for New Zealand Test

Mark Wood ruled out of fourth day of England-Sri Lanka Test

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka with a thigh injury, it was announced before play on Saturday.

The 34-year-old Durham quick left the field at Old Trafford just two balls into his 11th over late on Friday.

Following an assessment by England medical staff, the injury-prone paceman has been advised to rest.

England will hope they can still go 1-0 up in this three-match series without Wood’s express speed, with Sri Lanka resuming on 204-6 in their second innings — a lead of just 82 runs.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said: “England pace bowler Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury late on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.

“He will not return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team to determine the full extent of the injury.”

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England faced a target of 205 to win the first Test against Sri Lanka after dismissing the tourists for 326 in their second innings on Saturday’s fourth day at Old Trafford.

Kamindu Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 113 — his third hundred in just four Tests — having coming in with his side in trouble at 95-4 after they had been in the even worse position of 1-2.

Together with Dinesh Chandimal (79) he shared a seventh-wicket stand of 117 in 30 overs.

But Mendis’s dismissal sparked a collapse. Sri Lanka lost their last four wickets for 19 runs, with wicketkeeper Chandimal the last man to fall when he holed out off Matthew Potts.

Durham paceman Potts, recalled after England captain Ben Stokes was ruled out with a torn hamstring, took 3-47 in 17.3 overs.

READ: Shaheen Afridi does cradle celebration after taking a wicket

Ben Stokes backs Mark Wood to breach 100mph barrier in Test cricket

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes backed right-arm speedster Mark Wood to break the 100mph barrier in Test cricket.

Stokes, while speaking ahead of England’s third and final home Test against West Indies, asserted that Wood has always something “left in the tank” but was not sure if the pacer is concerned about it.

“I don’t know if he’s actually too bothered about it,” said Stokes.

“He seems to be getting closer and closer to that (100mph mark), but I’m happy with what he’s doing now to be honest.

“Being able to sustain that pace is quite phenomenal.

“His average speed every time he plays a Test match is always above 90mph –- it’s all fine and well trying to bowl one spell above 90 but every spell he bowls for England he’s clocking over 90mph,” added Stokes as he reflected on the sheer physical effort of his county colleague.

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Australia’s Mitchell Starc currently holds the record of the fastest delivery ever recorded in Tests at 99.6mph against New Zealand in 2015.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s legend Shoaib Akhtar holds the all-format record when he bowled a 100.2mph thunderbolt against England in an ODI game.

Mark Wood’s Test career has been blighted by injuries but his captain Stokes is delighted with how the pacer is bowling right now.

“You have to hold your hands up and celebrate what we have there,” Stokes said. “He (Wood) has got the heart of a lion. He runs in spell after spell, ball after ball.

“When be bowls the whole game changes. When his name is read out the whole crowd is up, then when the speeds are on the big screen everyone gets going.

“Woody is always looking up at the screen as well to see what he’s clocking. He knows he’s in the team to not only bowl skilfully, but also fast.”

Last week, Wood achieved a unique feat with his searing pace as he bowled the fastest over ever recorded for England at home in Test cricket.

Mark Wood recorded the feat in the second Test of the three-match series between England and West Indies, currently underway at Trent Bridge.

READ: West Indies suffer major blow ahead of third England Test