Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton says England are optimistic Mark Wood will be fit to play the first Ashes Test in Perth, which begins on Friday. Wood experienced a tight left hamstring during England’s lone warm-up game against the Lions last week, but scans have shown no serious damage.
If selected, Wood could return in a five-man pace attack for his first Test since August 2024. The 35-year-old has not played competitive cricket since February after knee surgery, but team-mate Jamie Smith reported a sharp training session on Tuesday, calling Wood “absolutely rapid.” Wood had bowled eight overs on day one of the warm-up before the hamstring problem curtailed his involvement.
Atherton said Wood “put in a good shift and came through pretty well,” adding that he will need to bowl again on Wednesday and recover ahead of the final team announcement. The camp overall appears upbeat about his chances.
If Wood is included, he could join Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and captain Ben Stokes in the XI. If he is rested, Josh Tongue is the most likely replacement unless the selectors opt for an extra spinner in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks. With Optus Stadium expected to be a lively, pace-friendly surface — local media have labeled it a “green monster” — an all-pace attack seems probable, mirroring England’s approach in the tune-up match.
Smith, who saw Wood’s left leg heavily strapped in the nets, 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.” Tongue added: “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