Encouraging Medical News for English Cricket Ahead of Important Ashes Campaign
English pace bowler Mark Wood has been given the all-clear from any worries about his hamstring injury following a scan in Perth.
The Durham bowler caused concern for England an injury scare on the first day of their Ashes warm-up match against the England Lions after he exited the field suffering tightness in his leg muscle.
Previous Injury History
This occurred on the same left leg where Wood had surgery after sustaining a knee problem in February.
During his return since the surgery, Wood bowled two four-over spells prior to exiting the field yesterday.
Health Clearance and Comeback Timeline
- The Durham right-armer underwent scanning this morning
- Received medical clearance to resume preparations
- Opening Test against Australia in Perth next month
Wood was cleared of an injury coincidentally Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Test due to hamstring issues of his own.
Training Schedule and Squad Approach
The bowler won't take part in today's final day of the tour game at Lilac Hill, but England stated he'll "continue to train as planned" during preparation for the opening Test.
It is significant positive news for Wood, among the quickest bowlers to ever play for England, though in a 37-Test career that has been blighted by injuries.
Recent Absence and Return Possibilities
Wood hasn't featured in Test cricket for over a year, initially due to elbow issues, then the knee problem.
Notwithstanding his time out, England were keen for Wood to feature in their XI for the first Test, alongside Jofra Archer, to hit Australia using speed on an anticipated fast pitch at Optus Stadium.
Team Selection and Strategy
- England indicated at their plans for the Ashes opener
- Including five pace bowlers, including Wood and Archer
- No front-line spinner in their XI for the tour game
The English management will have to consider selecting Wood in the lineup for the first Test, and potential impact the composition of their attack if he's unavailable.
Possible Alternatives
Josh Tongue might be selected as direct replacement, could opt to could turn to a spin option in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.
If Wood misses out on Perth Test, exists the option to improve match fitness in Lions fixtures.
Lions Fixtures and Additional Team News
The 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.
In other news, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been ruled out of the remainder of Lions tour with a leg injury.
Ahmed missed out on selection for the Ashes squad as England opted for Jacks as backup spinner.
The 21-year-old will return to the UK but is expected to recover to represent Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League from next month.
