Encouraging Medical News for England Cricket Team Ahead of Crucial Ashes Series
England fast bowler Mark Wood was cleared from any concerns over his left hamstring after medical scans conducted in Perth.
Wood 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 experiencing tightness in his leg muscle.
Previous Health Concerns
It was the identical leg on which the 35-year-old underwent surgery after sustaining a knee injury earlier this year.
During his return since the surgery, the fast bowler bowled two four-over sessions prior to exiting the playing area yesterday.
Health Clearance and Comeback Schedule
- Durham's fast bowler had a scan on Friday
- Received the go-ahead to resume preparations
- First Test against Australia at Optus Stadium next month
Wood was cleared from injury concerns on the same day Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood was declared unavailable for the opening Test with a hamstring problem of his own.
Preparation Schedule and Squad Approach
The bowler won't take part in today's final day of the practice match in Perth, but England stated he will "keep training as scheduled" in the build-up to the first Test.
It is significant positive news for Wood, one of the fastest pace bowlers in England's history representing England, though in a 37-Test career which has been affected by fitness issues.
Previous Time Out and Return Possibilities
He has not played a Test for over a year, first because of an elbow problem, followed by knee problem.
Despite the long absence, England were keen the fast bowler to feature in their XI for the first Test, together with Jofra Archer, to challenge Australia using speed on an anticipated to be a lively surface at Optus Stadium.
Squad Choices and Strategy
- England indicated their strategy for the Ashes opener
- Naming five pace bowlers, including Wood and Archer
- Without specialist spinner in their XI for practice match
Now England must weigh up including Wood in their team for the first Test, and potential impact the composition of their bowling if he is not risked.
Possible Replacements
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, there is the possibility to improve match fitness in Lions fixtures.
Lions Fixtures and Additional Team Updates
England Lions face a CA XI in Perth concurrently as the first 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 of the remainder of the Lions' tour with a leg injury.
The spinner wasn't selected on selection for the Ashes squad as England preferred Jacks as their second spinner.
Ahmed is returning to England though anticipated to be fit to represent Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League from next month.
