Mark Wood, the fast bowler for England, was cleared of any hamstring injuries following a brief scare during the team’s solitary warm-up game at Lilac Hill prior to the Ashes 2025–26 opener. England’s speed plans should benefit from the Mark Wood fitness update, as the first Test in Perth is just a few days away.
In the England Lions warm-up match, Wood made his competitive cricket comeback after missing over nine months due to knee surgery. He bowled at a good tempo for two brief periods on Thursday on a level surface, but his left hamstring became stiff afterward.
His inability to walk off the pitch due to the discomfort prompted prompt precautionary scans and raised concerns in the England camp. Given that England has already seen a number of injury setbacks this season, Wood’s scare sparked questions about their offence going into the highly anticipated series. The scans revealed no injuries to Wood, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated on Saturday.
The England Cricket Board stated, “Mark Wood, an England fast bowler, has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring following precautionary scans on Friday.”
Mark Wood will return to training.
On the last day of the warm-up game, England will not take a chance on Wood, despite the fact that he has been declared healthy. As scheduled, he is anticipated to return to training and continue getting ready for the first Test, which begins in Perth on November 21. Wood bowled eight overs prior to going off the pitch. Particularly at the quick, bouncy Optus Stadium wicket, his comeback will be vital.
Meanwhile, England’s strategy is still influenced by Wood’s injury history. He had knee surgery earlier this year after getting hurt at the ICC Champions Trophy in February. He was unable to play in the vital series against India for the entire home Test summer due to a setback during his recuperation.
Other positives for England came from the warm-up game. Ben Stokes took six wickets after returning to bowling duties. After smashing a century at number three, Ollie Pope solidified his spot in the Test XI. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Matt Potts, Brydon Carse, and captain Stokes will all be possible members of England’s pace attack for the Ashes. Wood will provide the much-needed X-factor.
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