Mark Wood looked sharp – and more importantly, pain-free – during a brisk 40-minute spell at Optus Stadium on Tuesday, three days before the Ashes start in Perth. The 33-year-old had sent a scare through England’s camp last week when a tight hamstring cut short his run-out against the Lions, but the strapping on his left leg was the only reminder of that hiccup.
Wood watched the early drills, then took the ball with Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum standing close by at the notional umpire’s position. Jamie Smith, one of the batters on duty, did not need a speed gun to judge the session. “He was absolutely rapid today, I can tell you that firsthand,” Smith said. “He’s definitely one to avoid on the list. He’s near enough full tilt so it’s good signs for us.”
Smith’s grin matched England’s mood. Perth is traditionally quick, the pitch was watered on Monday, and the tourists are leaning towards an all-seam attack for Friday. Wood, capable of nudging 150kph, is central to that plan, not only as the fastest bowler in the squad but also as the lone specialist with previous Ashes experience down under. During the 2021-22 tour he claimed 17 wickets at 26.64 and unsettled Australia’s top order; several of those batters are still around.
Selection, however, will hinge on how Wood wakes up on Wednesday and whether he can back up with another strong bowl. Competitive overs have been scarce – none since the Champions Trophy group game against Afghanistan on 26 February – thanks to left-knee surgery and, earlier, a stress fracture of the right elbow. England’s medical team know the risks; they also know the reward. Wood signed a three-year central contract with this Ashes in mind, and Perth’s bounce offers the ideal stage to “cash in”, as one staff member put it.
If the medics take a cautious view, Josh Tongue appears next in line. The Worcestershire quick was impressive in the Lions fixture and sees no problem with a late reshuffle. “It feels like if he’s good to go and the management feels he’s good to go, I don’t see why not,” Tongue said, reflecting the squad’s trust in Wood’s judgement and the physios’ green light.
Stokes’ own bowling fitness remains a subplot, while Jofra Archer is on hand if outright pace is needed later in the series. For now, though, the headlines rest on Wood’s sore hamstring – apparently yesterday’s news – and whether England’s fastest bowler can deliver the first ball of another Australian summer.
