Mark Wood Ruled Out of First Ashes Test in Brisbane
BRISBANE, Australia – England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against Australia at the Gabba, after experiencing discomfort during the second day of play. The 35-year-old’s availability has been hampered by fitness concerns throughout his career, and this latest setback casts doubt on his participation in the remainder of the series.
Wood opened the bowling on the second morning in Perth and returned after tea, attempting to defend a target of 205 runs. Though,his workload was disrupted by a prior hamstring concern and the need for recovery between spells. He had been utilizing an ice machine in the dressing room to aid recovery but was forced to abandon the treatment when England’s middle order collapsed, requiring him to return to the field with the bat.
speaking on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, Wood described the rapid change in circumstances: “I was using the ice machine in the backroom. All of a sudden we start losing wickets and I look down [at the machine] and there’s still 17 minutes to go,then another one and it’s 12 minutes left. I thought: ‘I’ve got to get off this and get ready.'” He added, “At lunch, we are assessing what’s gone well and at no point did I think that in the next hour or so I’d be bowling again.It was one of those days.”
This latest injury follows scans on a tight hamstring sustained during an eight-over workout in england’s warm-up match earlier this month. While there is currently no indication that Wood’s tour is over, the nine-day gap before the third Test in Adelaide, starting December 17th, will be crucial for his recovery. The loss of Wood represents a notable blow to England’s bowling attack, notably given his recent form and ability to generate pace and movement.
