Tearaway England pacer Mark Wood is optimistic about playing a couple of games for his county, Durham next month, as he prepares for the Ashes series, which will be held in Australia from 21 November to 8 January.
During the Champions Trophy earlier this year, Wood suffered a knee injury that required surgery and effectively ruled him out of action for at least four months. It has now been six months, and Wood has not played any form of cricket. In the home series against India, England selector Luke Wright was hopeful that Wood would be fit to play in the fourth or fifth Test, but that couldn’t happen due to swelling in his knee.
With the Ashes series in mind, the England and Wales Cricket Board are taking no risks with their premier fast bowler.
“I’m hoping to play for Durham, as there are a couple of games in September – so I’ll try and play one or two of those,” Wood told Betfair’s Stick to Cricket podcast. “The injury is alright. It was 50/50 whether I was going to make the India Test, but I was bowling at Lord’s and then, the next day, my knee swelled up again. I had it drained, and since then it’s just been about taking things easy, looking ahead to the winter.
I’ve been locked after well: Wood
“I’ve been well looked after and very cautious – that’s the way it’s been. I value it, as (England) have this end goal of getting me to Australia,” he added.
Although injury-prone, Wood remains in England’s plans for the Ashes. One of England’s quickest pacers, he has an excellent record in Australia, having taken 47 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 27.48.
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