Mark Wood Bowls Rapid Nets Spell, Ashes Test Hopes Rise

Published: 18 November 2025 Tuesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Mark Wood’s chances of featuring in the first Ashes Test against Australia appear to be strengthening after the England paceman produced a “rapid” spell in the nets at Perth Stadium on Tuesday. The 35-year-old’s impressive session comes after a prolonged period on the sidelines due to injury, signaling a potential boost for England’s pace attack ahead of the high-stakes series opener.

Wood has not played a Test since August 2024, when he suffered a hamstring strain during England’s only Ashes warm-up match. That injury, coupled with a pre-existing knee problem that required surgery earlier this year, has limited his appearances in recent months. However, scans cleared him of any hamstring concerns, allowing him to take part in England’s first full training session in Perth.

With his left knee heavily strapped, Wood began by bowling off a few paces before building up to near full speed, showcasing his trademark pace and aggression. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who faced Wood in the nets, was full of praise. “He was absolutely rapid today. I can tell you that first hand. He’s definitely one to avoid on the netting list. He was near enough full tilt, so it’s good signs for us,” Smith said.

England’s management is expected to announce the playing XI for Friday’s first Test on Wednesday, and Wood is likely to be under strong consideration. The Perth pitch is expected to be lively, with local media dubbing it a “green monster,” which could favour a five-man pace attack for the tourists. If Wood plays, he could join Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, and captain Ben Stokes in the seam department.

Should Wood be unavailable or omitted, England may turn to fellow seamer Josh Tongue or all-rounder Will Jacks to fill the gap. Tongue, who is part of the squad, expressed confidence in Wood’s readiness. “If his body’s all good and the management think he’s good to go, I don’t see why not,” Tongue said.

Wood’s career has been punctuated by injuries, with the latest spell on the sidelines beginning 15 months ago due to an elbow issue. His return in white-ball cricket earlier this year was interrupted by the knee injury that required surgery. Despite these setbacks, Wood remains one of the fastest and most feared bowlers in English cricket, and his inclusion would add significant firepower to the squad.

While selecting Wood carries an element of risk, England’s management may be willing to include him for the opening Test due to his experience, pace, and proven record against Australia. The workload can be shared among five seamers, reducing the strain on Wood and allowing him to contribute without overexertion. England’s coaching staff also highlighted that it would be more challenging to introduce him later in the series when spin may be preferred on certain pitches.

Wood featured in England’s warm-up match against the England Lions at Lilac Hill last week, bowling eight overs in two four-over spells on the first day. His participation was pre-planned, but he left the field midway through the afternoon session and did not return, following a precautionary scan that eventually cleared him to resume training.

The timing of Wood’s return is particularly important for England, as Australia will be without key pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the series opener. Brendan Doggett is expected to make his debut in Cummins’ absence, while Cummins continues to manage his back injury in the Perth nets as he builds toward a potential return in the second Test in Brisbane on 4 December. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey noted that Cummins’ participation in the first Test remains unlikely due to workload considerations. “The thing for Pat is the workload and getting enough overs in his legs, making sure there are no other injuries from bowling,” Carey said. “It looked like his rhythm was there. It’s great to see and for him to be around the group—he’s a fantastic leader. It’s looking like he’s preparing really well. It would be great to see him back playing soon.”

England’s selection strategy will likely focus on balancing Wood’s pace with the rest of the seam attack. The potential five-man pace combination, including Stokes, allows England to rotate their fast bowlers efficiently, manage workloads, and exploit the conditions in Perth. The decision will also be influenced by the nature of the pitch, which is expected to offer pace and bounce, providing an ideal platform for Wood’s express speed.

Wood’s presence in the squad could prove decisive for England, particularly given his previous success against Australia in Test cricket. Known for his ability to extract bounce, generate sharp movement, and intimidate batsmen with sheer pace, Wood offers a weapon that could unsettle the opposition and give England an early advantage in the series. His experience and leadership within the bowling unit also add value, particularly in high-pressure situations such as the Ashes.

As the England team prepares for the first Test, all eyes will be on Wood’s fitness and performance in the nets. His rapid spell on Tuesday is a promising sign for selectors and fans alike, raising hopes that the Durham paceman will be fit to play and contribute to England’s quest for Ashes glory. While the series opener remains just days away, the possibility of Wood returning to the Test arena adds an element of excitement and anticipation for English cricket supporters.

The Ashes series is one of the most fiercely contested events in cricket, and England will be eager to field their strongest side from the outset. Wood’s inclusion would signal intent and bolster the seam attack in a challenging Perth environment. The combination of experience, pace, and strategic rotation of bowlers is expected to form the cornerstone of England’s approach in the series, with the aim of securing an early advantage against a formidable Australian side.

England’s management, led by head coach and support staff, will continue to monitor Wood closely over the next 24 hours, ensuring that his body can handle the rigors of Test cricket after a long injury layoff. The final decision on his selection is expected alongside the confirmation of the XI, which will balance fitness, experience, and conditions to give England the best chance of success in Perth.

For now, Wood’s rapid net session offers hope for England and reassurance to fans eager to see one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket return to the Test arena. If selected, he could play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the series and providing the team with the pace and aggression necessary to challenge Australia on their home turf.