England fast bowler Mark Wood has significantly strengthened his chances of being selected for the first Ashes Test after producing what teammates described as a “rapid and full-throttle” bowling spell during an intense training session at Perth Stadium on Tuesday.

Wood, who last played Test cricket in August 2024, has endured a challenging spell on the sidelines due to recurring injuries. His recent concerns surfaced when he experienced tightness in his left hamstring during England’s only Ashes warm-up match. However, after undergoing medical scans, the 35-year-old was cleared of any serious issues and returned to training with visible energy and aggression.

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Wood Impresses During Nets Session Despite Injury History

In England’s first major practice session of the tour, Wood bowled with heavy strapping on his left knee, the same knee that required surgery earlier this year. He started by delivering a few balls off a shortened run-up before accelerating to what witnesses said was close to full pace.

Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who bravely faced Wood in the nets, had high praise for the veteran paceman:

“He was absolutely rapid today… He was near enough full tilt, so it’s good signs for us.”

Smith added that Wood was easily “one to avoid” on the net group list due to the sheer pace he generated.

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England Near Finalizing XI for First Test

England are expected to announce their team for Friday’s opening Test against Australia imminently. With the Perth pitch reportedly being a lively green surface—described by the West Australian newspaper as a “green monster”—England may be tempted to field a five-man pace attack.

Ten players seem virtually assured of places, including:

• England’s regular top seven
• Captain Ben Stokes, fit again following injury
• Pacemen Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson

That leaves the final seamer spot potentially coming down to Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, or all-rounder Will Jacks.

Tongue, who is also in contention, 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.”

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Why Wood’s Selection Matters for England

Mark Wood remains one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and has historically performed well against Australia. However, England face a delicate balance: his injury-prone track record makes managing his workload vital.

Key considerations for England include:

• Early-series advantage: His raw pace could be crucial in the opening Test.
• Workload distribution: If England pick five seamers, it reduces the burden on Wood.
• Later-series challenges: As spinning conditions increase later in the Ashes, Wood may be more difficult to include, making the Perth Test a prime opportunity.

During the warm-up match at Lilac Hill, Wood bowled two four-over spells before leaving the field. Though this was initially concerning, scans showed no further damage, easing England’s fears.

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Australia Likely Without Key Pace Duo for First Test

Australia face their own selection challenges. Captain Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood are both expected to miss the first Test due to injury. As a result, Brendan Doggett is positioned for a potential debut.

While Cummins has been bowling in the nets as he recovers from a back issue, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey stressed that workload remains the key barrier:

“It looked like his rhythm was there… but he needs enough overs in his legs.”

Though Carey didn’t fully rule out a surprise return for Cummins, sources indicate the skipper will likely sit out the Perth match as the Australians prioritize his long-term fitness for the series.

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The Ashes 2025–26: A High-Stakes Series Ahead

The upcoming Ashes series, running from 21 November 2025 to 7 January 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cricket showdowns in recent years. With both squads managing crucial injuries and searching for the right balance, the opening Test in Perth may set the tone for the entire contest.

Fans can follow live ball-by-ball commentary, in-play clips, highlights, and expert analysis across multiple BBC platforms throughout the series.