England’s bowling attack receives a major shot in the arm with the news that Mark Wood is fit to play in the upcoming Ashes Test in Perth. The fast bowler experienced a moment of concern on the first day of a warm-up fixture on November 13, when he reported hamstring stiffness. Precautionary scans were performed on November 14, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Wood has been cleared of any significant injury. He had managed to bowl eight overs upon his return to the field before feeling the tightness. While he is expected to sit out the rest of the warm-up match, the ECB insists he will continue with his normal training schedule in preparation for the Test. Wood’s express pace is a cornerstone of England’s strategy, and his inclusion alongside other pacemen like Jofra Archer, and potentially Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, or Gus Atkinson, plus the all-round contributions of Ben Stokes and Joe Root, offers a strong selection dilemma for the opposition. England aims for a victory in the opening match.
