Mark Wood, a fast bowler for England, will resume playing for Durham in the County Championship next month as he continues his recuperation from knee surgery in preparation for the Ashes this winter.
After undergoing surgery to repair damage to his left knee’s medial ligament, which was made worse during the Champions Trophy, Mark Wood has been sidelined for the past six months. Wood had targeted the fifth Test at the Kia Oval for a comeback, but the four-month recuperation period turned out to be optimistic as he missed the duration of England’s Test series against India.
Mark Wood was part of the team during that series, but his return was delayed due to a slight injury he sustained during Lord’s training before the third Test that necessitated the draining of fluid from his left knee. He was then scheduled to play in England’s September white-ball matches against Ireland and South Africa, but he was later left off of those rosters.
After being promoted last season, Durham is now in ninth place in Division One and fighting relegation. With the final three rounds against sides battling the drop—England (September 8), Worcestershire (September 15), who are adrift at the bottom, and Yorkshire (September 24)—their fate is still up in the air.
Although Mark Wood availability will undoubtedly help the county, he won’t be actively participating in their run-in. He is scheduled to play Worcestershire at Chester-le-Street, but it is unlikely that he will play in the Essex match. His left knee’s recovery from what will be his first red-ball game since the opening Test match against Sri Lanka last August will determine whether he makes an appearance against Yorkshire. In May 2021, he made his first appearance for Durham in the County Championship.
Mark Wood told the Stick to Cricket podcast, “I’ll try to play one or two of those games in September because I’m hoping to play for Durham.”
“The injury is not that bad. My chances of making the India Test were 50/50, but I was bowling at Lord’s when my knee swelled up again the next day, so I had it drained. Ever since, I’ve just been taking it easy and looking forward to the winter.”
England is careful not to put too much pressure on Mark Wood.
He is still among the world’s fastest bowlers in spite of his lengthy injury history. With 17 wickets at 26.64 during the previous 2021–22 Ashes season, he was the finest visiting bowler on display. He came in for the final three Test matches against Australia during the 2023 home summer and claimed 14 dismissals at 20.21. When he arrived, England was behind 2-0 and eventually tied the series.
After growing tired with the routine of bowling the nets, Mark Wood begged England head coach Brendon McCullum for more playing time before the season ended.
“I’ve received excellent care and have been quite cautious; that’s how things have been. I appreciate that since the ECB wants me to travel to Australia for their final goal.
“But I told Baz McCullum that I would lose my mind if he only bowled to a net for four months. In order to prepare for Perth, I’ll travel early with a few bowlers to the bowling camp in Loughborough, where they’re staying in tents. In order to prepare and acclimatise, we will arrive around one week ahead of schedule.
Ahead of the Ashes, England’s pace bowling reserves are as nearly full as they have been this summer, and Mark Wood anticipated comeback will help them.
After a three-year hiatus, Jofra Archer made a comeback in Test cricket against India, and the Southern Brave has since improved in The Hundred. After undergoing knee surgery, Olly Stone missed two games for London Spirit. With 14 dismissals, Josh Tongue has been the competition’s most impressive bowler.
Gus Atkinson made one appearance for Oval Invincibles before to playing for Surrey in the One Day Cup on Tuesday, while Brydon Carse was rested for this season’s tournament. Another rapid addition to the Ashes mix is Sonny Baker’s rise to prominence.
Due to a dislocated left shoulder he suffered in the fifth India Test, Chris Woakes is still out. In order to maximise his chances of joining the tour, which kicks off on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, the all-rounder has chosen to forego surgery in favour of a rigorous rehabilitation program.
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