Mark Wood has resumed bowling in the nets, but it will take him some more time to be able to bowl at full capacity, according to England’s senior selector Luke Wright. According to the former England all-rounder, Wood’s chances of playing again before the fourth Test match against India appear slim.
After having knee surgery after the Champions Trophy 2025, Wood was out for four months. England was eliminated in the first round itself, and the seasoned seamer took just one wicket in two games. He is putting in a lot of effort behind the scenes, and England’s medical staff is keeping a careful eye on his fitness.
“To be honest, I think Mark Wood has started bowling a little bit lately. It’s a positive indicator that he’s only a few paces off.
He is therefore on the path to becoming better. He may be able to play in the fourth or fifth Test if we can get him back, but I think he’s more long-term. But once more, it’s checking off boxes and ensuring he’s alright every day,” Wright stated on Sky Sports.
Mark Wood has taken 119 wickets at an average of 30.42 in 37 Test matches. In his four Test matches against India, Mark Wood has taken nine wickets at an average of 50.33. Only one of those games, though, took place in England, and that one, which took place in 2021 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, saw him take five wickets.
England’s 14-man selection for the first Test match against India, which will take place at Headingley, Leeds, from June 17 to 21, was revealed on Thursday, June 5. Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, and Brydon Carse are the five pacers selected by the Three Lions for the first match.
Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson were not taken into consideration because they had been injured and sidelined. Wright did note that the latter might be able to play in Birmingham for the second Test, though.
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