Head coach Brendon McCullum has announced that England’s star pace Mark Wood will be healthy and ready to “release thunderbolts” throughout the five-Test series, which is expected to be a significant boost for the team ahead of the Ashes Down Under later this year.
Wood’s last Test match was more than a year ago, and he hasn’t played cricket since the Champions Trophy this year because of a knee injury. But in The Ashes, where his speed will be crucial for the visitors to challenge the Kangaroos, the 35-year-old is ready to make a spectacular return.
“He [Wood] is getting better. “He’s had a few minor setbacks throughout, and we’ve taken things pretty carefully,” McCullum told Sky Sports.
“Despite the effort he has put in and the ongoing rehabilitation he has had to undergo throughout his career, there is no denying his desire and excitement to represent his nation.
“We are aware that when he is playing at his peak, he can quickly win a game and intimidate opposing hitters.
“We’re very confident we’ll have him fit and ready for the Ashes, ready to release thunderbolts.”
Although captain Ben Stokes missed the fifth Test match against India due to a shoulder injury, McCullum was optimistic that the all-rounder will fully recover in time for the highly anticipated series.
According to McCullum, “Stokes is progressing well,”
“Everyone is aware of Stokes’ drive for excellence and his excitement for leading England to Australia for the upcoming challenge.
“I anticipate that he’ll be fully fit and ready to go in that series; he’s progressing well and he’s excited about what’s ahead.”
Regarding the difficulty of travelling to Australia, where England hasn’t won a Test match in fifteen years, McCullum acknowledged that his team will have difficulties but described the upcoming series as a “unbelievable opportunity” to accomplish something exceptional.
The England head coach declared, “We have a cohesive team that can handle pressure and situations and can tune out the outside noise.”
“It does not ensure success, and we will have challenges throughout those few months.
Now, the focus is on how we respond to stress and the times when the light is greatest.
“That is an incredible opportunity, and the series is going to be fantastic.
“Australia is a really tough country to tour, and we know they have a very talented cricket squad. Although we will be put to the test, the reward will make the struggle worthwhile.
In Perth, the 2025–26 Ashes will begin play on November 21.
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