🔗 Share this article

Encouraging Health Update for English Cricket Before Important Ashes Campaign

England fast bowler Mark Wood was given the all-clear of any concerns over his left hamstring after a scan in Perth.

The Durham bowler caused concern for England a health worry on the first day of England's Ashes warm-up game against England Lions after he exited the field experiencing tightness in his hamstring.

Previous Health Concerns

This occurred on the same left leg where the 35-year-old underwent surgery following a knee problem earlier this year.

In his first action since the surgery, the fast bowler bowled two four-over sessions prior to exiting the playing area yesterday.

Health Clearance and Recovery Schedule

• The Durham right-armer underwent scanning on Friday
• Has been given the go-ahead to continue preparations
• Opening Test versus Australia in Perth on 21 November

Wood was cleared from injury concerns coincidentally Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Test with a hamstring problem himself.

Preparation Schedule and Squad Approach

The bowler won't participate in Saturday's concluding day of the practice match at Lilac Hill, however England stated he will "keep training as scheduled" in the build-up to the first Test.

This represents significant positive news for Wood, among the quickest pace bowlers in England's history representing England, albeit in a 37-Test career which has been blighted by fitness issues.

Recent Time Out and Return Possibilities

Wood hasn't featured a Test for over a year, initially due to elbow issues, followed by knee injury.

Notwithstanding his time out, England were keen for Wood to be in the playing eleven for the first Test, alongside Jofra Archer, to challenge Australia with pace on an anticipated to be a lively surface in Perth.

Team Selection and Strategy

• Tourists hinted their strategy for the Ashes opener
• Naming five fast bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
• No front-line spinner in the team for practice match

Now England will have to consider including Wood in the lineup for Perth Test, and how it would affect the balance of their bowling if he is not risked.

Possible Replacements

Josh Tongue might be selected as a like-for-like replacement, or England consider spin bowling with Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

If Wood does not play on Perth Test, exists the option to build his fitness in Lions fixtures.

Lions Fixtures and Other Squad News

England Lions face a CA XI in Perth at the same time with opening Test, before progressing to a two-day pink-ball game versus Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

Meanwhile, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been ruled out from remaining part of the Lions' tour with a leg injury.

The spinner wasn't selected in the squad for Ashes tour when England opted for Jacks as backup spinner.

The 21-year-old is returning to England though anticipated to be fit to represent Hobart Hurricanes in BBL starting next month.