After being sidelined for six months, England’s fastest bowler is eager to make a strong comeback and wreak havoc in Australia during the upcoming Ashes.
It’s been over half a year since Mark Wood last played a competitive match, but the wait is finally over. The pacer revealed that he is set to return for Durham in the County Championship, eyeing a full recovery and a perfect build-up to the Ashes.
Wood last featured in February during the Champions Trophy before undergoing surgery on his damaged left knee ligament the following month. Initially, he was expected to return within four months, and England even kept him with the squad during the Test series against India to continue his rehab. There were hopes of playing him in the final Test, but things took a turn when his knee swelled up before the third Test at Lord’s, forcing doctors to drain the fluid. His comeback was delayed yet again.
Plans were later made to bring him back in the limited-overs series against South Africa and Ireland in September, but England eventually decided not to rush him. Now, Wood’s eyes are firmly set on the Ashes, and he wants to test himself in county cricket before making an international return.
Speaking on the “Stick to Cricket” podcast, the 35-year-old said:
“I’m hoping to play for Durham since we have a few matches in September. I’ll try to get one or two games under my belt.”
“The knee’s feeling okay at the moment. Against India, it was a 50-50 chance of playing. I was bowling in the nets at Lord’s, but the next day my knee swelled up, and the fluid had to be drained. Since then, I’ve decided not to rush and to focus on the winter season ahead.”
England will travel to Australia in November to attempt to reclaim the Ashes. Wood is likely to make his comeback on September 15 against Worcestershire, although his participation against Essex on September 8 remains doubtful. Whether he plays the Yorkshire clash on September 24 will depend on how his knee holds up.
Despite a career riddled with injuries, Wood has never compromised on pace. In the 2021-22 Ashes in Australia, he was England’s standout performer, taking 17 wickets despite the team’s overall struggles. He followed that up with another stellar display in the 2023 Ashes at home. After missing the first two Tests, Wood returned in the third and snatched 14 wickets, playing a crucial role in helping England fight back to draw the series 2-2.
This time, England will hope to have Wood firing on all cylinders. And they won’t be short on pace options either — Jofra Archer has made his Test comeback, Ollie Stone has returned via The Hundred, and Josh Tongue is in fine form. Add Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson to the mix, and England could boast one of their strongest-ever pace attacks for the Ashes. The only lingering concern is Chris Woakes, who’s recovering from a shoulder injury.
