Mark Wood says he has “pulled up really well” after England’s early training sessions in Australia, as he pushes to be ready for the opening Ashes Test later this month. The 35-year-old fast bowler, who has not played a Test in 15 months, is determined to prove his fitness after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year.
England arrived in Perth on Sunday and have been training in warm conditions as they prepare for the five-Test series starting on 21 November. “It’s very hard to train at 100% all the time, but I’ve been running in from my full mark and gradually increasing the intensity,” Wood said. “Hopefully in the practice match, I can step it up another level.”
Crucial role for England’s quickest
Wood’s express pace is seen as a key factor in England’s bid to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015. Alongside captain Ben Stokes, he is one of only two bowlers in the current squad to have played a Test in Australia. During the previous tour in 2021–22, he was England’s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps in four matches.
His comeback, however, has been far from simple. He suffered a setback in August while aiming to return for the fifth Test against India, forcing him to miss England’s white-ball matches against South Africa and New Zealand. Plans for him to feature in the County Championship for Durham were also scrapped to focus on recovery.
Training under simulated conditions
Instead of competitive cricket, Wood has been rebuilding his rhythm in the nets at Durham and at England’s training base in Loughborough, where bowlers have been practising inside heated tents designed to mimic Australian conditions. “I’ve trained for two or three days and pulled up really well,” Wood said. “The practice game will be another good test — but so far, so good.”
Positive mindset despite setbacks
Reflecting on his long rehabilitation, Wood admitted the process tested his patience. “It was really boring for six months, and it wasn’t a straight line,” he said. “There were moments when I had to start again, but it’s great to finally be outdoors in some sunshine and bowling properly.”
Focus on cricket, not headlines
England’s squad has been greeted by fiery Australian media coverage, but Wood insists he is not bothered. “That’s all part of it,” he said. “I haven’t paid much attention to newspapers — everyone we’ve met in Perth has been friendly and excited for the series.”
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