England pacer Mark Wood has signalled positive signs in his recovery as he targets a potential return for the fifth and final Test against India, scheduled to begin on 31 July at The Oval in London.
The quickest England speedster had initially been expected to miss the entire series following knee surgery in March – the latest in a series of injury setbacks that have plagued his career. However, Wood has now resumed light bowling in the nets and remains hopeful of making a comeback before the series concludes.
“Rehab is going well,” Wood told BBC’s Test Match Special. “I’ve just started bowling again, nothing too intense yet, but it feels good to be officially back on the comeback trail. I’m still aiming for the final Test. It might be a stretch, and I’m not certain I’ll be ready, but that’s the goal. Anything earlier could be a bit too soon, so we’ll have to see how things go.”
Keeping my eye on that last Test: Wood
The Durham pacer admitted the recovery process has been slow, but recent progress has lifted his hopes. “It was quite limited in the beginning, but things are picking up now. I’ve started to get overs under my belt, and hopefully it won’t be too long. I’m still keeping my eye on that last Test – fingers crossed.”
After the surgery in March, Wood was given a four-month recovery timeline. While he’s eager to return to action, England’s medical staff are likely to proceed with caution, especially with the Ashes tour to Australia on the horizon and several pace options already sidelined.
Wood’s potential return would offer a timely boost to England’s depleted pace attack. However, for that the right-arm quick will have to put in a lot of effort in order to reclaim his position in the playing XI.
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