Positive Medical Update for English Cricket Before Crucial Ashes Series
English fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared from any concerns about his left hamstring following a scan in Perth.
Wood gave England an injury scare during the opening day of England's pre-Ashes practice match against the England Lions when he exited the field experiencing tightness in his hamstring.
Previous Injury History
This occurred on the identical leg on which the 35-year-old had surgery after sustaining a knee injury in February.
In his first action since the surgery, the fast bowler bowled two four-over spells prior to exiting the field on Thursday.
Health Approval and Comeback Schedule
- The Durham fast bowler underwent scanning this morning
- Received the go-ahead to resume preparations
- First Test against Australia at Optus Stadium on 21 November
The clearance came from injury concerns on the same day Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood was declared unavailable of the first Test with a hamstring problem himself.
Preparation Schedule and Squad Approach
The bowler won't participate in Saturday's final day of the practice match at Lilac Hill, but England stated he will "continue to train as scheduled" during preparation to the first Test.
This represents a huge boost for Wood, among the quickest pace bowlers to ever play for England, albeit in a 37-Test career which has been blighted by fitness issues.
Recent Absence and Comeback Possibilities
Wood hasn't featured in Test cricket for over a year, first because of elbow issues, followed by knee problem.
Despite the long absence, England were keen for Wood to feature in the playing eleven in the opening Test, alongside Jofra Archer, to hit Australia with pace on an anticipated to be a lively surface in Perth.
Squad Selection and Strategy
- England indicated at their plans for the Ashes opener
- Including five pace bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
- No front-line spinner in their XI for the tour game
The English management must weigh up including Wood in the lineup for the first Test, and potential impact the composition of their attack if he is not risked.
Possible Alternatives
Josh Tongue could be included as a like-for-like replacement, or England could turn to a spin option in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.
Should Wood does not play in the first Test, there is the possibility to improve match fitness with England Lions.
England Lions Fixtures and Other Team News
England Lions face a Cricket Australia XI at Lilac Hill at the same time as the first Test, then move on to a two-day day-night match versus PM's XI in Canberra.
Meanwhile, leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been excluded from remaining part of Lions tour with a leg injury.
The spinner wasn't selected on selection for Ashes tour when England preferred Jacks as their second spinner.
Ahmed will return to the UK though anticipated to recover to represent Hobart team in BBL starting next month.
