Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton says England are “optimistic” that fast bowler Mark Wood will play in the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth, starting Friday.
Wood felt a tight left hamstring during England’s lone warm-up match against the Lions last week, but scans showed no serious issue. If selected, he could be part of a five-man pace attack in his first Test since August 2024. The 35-year-old has not played competitively since February following knee surgery, but team-mate Jamie Smith described a training spell on Tuesday as “absolutely rapid.”
If Wood features, he could join Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and captain Ben Stokes in the XI. If he is rested, Josh Tongue is the likeliest replacement unless England opt for spin from Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks. With Optus Stadium expected to be quick — local press dubbed it a “green monster” — an all-pace attack looks probable, as hinted by England’s selection for the tune-up game.
Wood bowled eight overs on day one of the warm-up before the hamstring issue stopped further participation. Atherton said Wood “put in a good shift and came through pretty well,” noting he will need to bowl on Wednesday and recover before England name their side, but that the camp seems upbeat about his readiness.
Wicketkeeper Smith, who saw Wood’s left leg heavily strapped during the session, said: “He was absolutely rapid, I can tell you that first hand. He’s definitely one to avoid on the (practice) list. He’s near enough full tilt so it’s good signs for us.” Smith added praise for the group’s preparation and the value of facing high pace in the nets.
Tongue commented: “If he feels like he’s good to go and the management feels he’s good to go, I don’t see why not. I feel like the group of bowlers we’ve got now, the likes of Jofra (Archer) and Woody with the x-factor of pace and bouncy wickets, the skills we’ve got as a group – I think we can give it a good shot [in this series].”
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26 (All times UK and Ireland)
– First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth
– Second Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
– Third Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide Oval
– Fourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
– Fifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground