England’s bowling attack faces a significant challenge with reports indicating that Mark Wood is set to miss the crucial second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane due to a persistent left knee problem. Wood was absent from England’s first training session in Brisbane, choosing to rest the injured knee at the team hotel. The rest of the squad conducted an optional training session. While there are still four days remaining for practice at the Gabba, including vital sessions under the lights, it is believed Wood will not be available for the day-night fixture. This latest injury setback for the fiery pacer is concerning, as he underwent surgery on the same knee earlier in the year and also dealt with a hamstring concern during pre-series preparations. Although he passed fitness tests for the first Test, Wood bowled a reduced spell in Perth, heavily strapped, and his pace reportedly dropped during Australia’s successful chase. Despite not taking any wickets in the first Test, Wood’s raw speed, hitting 93mph, proved a threat. If Wood is unavailable, Josh Tongue is considered the most likely candidate to step into the England XI for the second Test. Tongue is currently in Canberra, participating in a two-day match for the England Lions against a Prime Minister’s XI, alongside Matthew Potts. Potts took two wickets on Saturday, while Tongue was wicketless. The Lions were 30 not out in reply to the Prime Minister’s XI’s 308 for eight.
