Encouraging Health News for English Cricket Before Important Ashes Series
English pace bowler Mark Wood has been given the all-clear from any concerns about his hamstring injury after medical scans conducted in Perth.
The Durham bowler caused concern for England a health worry during the opening day of England's 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 identical leg where the 35-year-old had surgery following a knee injury earlier this year.
During his return post-operation, the fast bowler delivered two four-over sessions prior to exiting the field on Thursday.
Health Clearance and Comeback Schedule
- The Durham right-armer had a scan this morning
- Received medical clearance to resume training
- Opening Test versus Australia in Perth on 21 November
The clearance came of an injury coincidentally Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for the opening Test due to hamstring issues of his own.
Training Plans and Squad Strategy
Wood will not participate in today's concluding day of the tour game at Lilac Hill, but England stated he'll "continue to train as scheduled" in the build-up to the first Test.
It is significant positive news for Wood, one of the fastest bowlers in England's history for England, albeit in 37 Test matches which has been affected by injuries.
Recent Time Out and Return Prospects
He has not played in Test cricket for over a year, first because of elbow issues, followed by knee problem.
Despite the long absence, the team wanted the fast bowler to feature in their XI for the first Test, together with Jofra Archer, to hit Australia with pace on what is expected to be a lively surface at Optus Stadium.
Squad Selection and Tactics
- Tourists hinted at their plans for the Ashes opener
- Naming five fast bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
- Without specialist spinner in their XI for the tour game
Now England must consider including Wood in their team for Perth Test, and how it would affect the composition of their attack if he's unavailable.
Potential Replacements
Josh Tongue could be included as direct replacement, could opt to could turn to spin bowling in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.
If Wood misses out in the first Test, there is the possibility to build his fitness in Lions fixtures.
Lions Schedule and Additional Team News
The Lions meet a Cricket Australia XI at Lilac Hill at the same time as the first Test, before progressing to a two-day pink-ball game against a PM's XI in Canberra.
In other news, leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been excluded of the remainder of Lions tour due to leg problem.
Ahmed missed out on selection for the Ashes squad as England opted for Jacks as their second spinner.
The 21-year-old will return to England though anticipated to recover to play for Hobart Hurricanes in BBL starting next month.
