England’s top fast bowler, Mark Wood, is set to undergo a precautionary scan in Perth after a hamstring problem forced him off the field during the first day of England’s warm‑up match against the England Lions. The fast‑pacer, who has played eleven Tests against Australia and is seen as the key weapon for winning the Ashes after a decade, bowled only eight overs before leaving.
During the match at Lilac Hill Park, Wood kept his composure, conceding just 0‑29 in his first spell, and then bowled another set of four overs before the stiffness in his hamstring became too much to ignore. “He was scheduled to bowl eight overs today, but the hamstring stiffness has kept him off the field for a while in the second session,” explained the ECB. “He will have a scan tomorrow and is expected to bowl again in two days’ time.”
Wood’s injury leaves his fate for the Ashes opener in doubt. If the scan shows no serious damage, he could return just in time for the Test match. He hasn’t played an international game since February, missing the last matches due to a knee injury.
Australia faces its own injury concerns ahead of the series. Josh Hazlewood recovered in time for the Perth Test, but Sean Abbott was ruled out of selection after a Sheffield Shield injury. Additionally, skipper Pat Cummins is still dealing with a back injury; he may return for the second Test at the Gabba.
The England team will rely on Wood’s pace if the scan clears him, while Australia will need to shuffle their bowling attack with injuries to Abbott and Cummins. The outcome of the scans will be closely watched by fans eager to see who can take the edge in the upcoming Ashes duel.
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