England, Dec 4: England fast bowler Mark Wood has admitted that his fitness remains uncertain ahead of the third Ashes Test, casting fresh doubt on his role in the remainder of the series as he continues to battle his troublesome left knee.
Wood, 35, made his long-awaited return in the opening Test at Perth after nine months on the sidelines following knee surgery, but a mix of soreness and caution ruled him out of the Brisbane Test.
With a week’s gap before the third Test begins in Adelaide, the Durham pacer has not ruled himself out entirely — but he conceded that a comeback may have to wait.
Speaking to Channel 7, Wood said he was hopeful but realistic. “There’s a chance for Adelaide,” he remarked, before admitting that a return in Melbourne or even Sydney was more likely.
“I need to get out of this knee brace first and start moving properly,” he added, hinting at the work still left in his recovery. Wood’s pace remains a key component of England’s plans. One of the quickest bowlers the country has produced, he has struggled with a career peppered by injuries — from elbow trouble to repeated knee setbacks. His Test appearance in Perth was his first in 15 months, though even that comeback was preceded by a brief scare when tightness in his left hamstring forced him to cut short a warm-up outing against England Lions. Scans later cleared him, allowing him to take the field for the series opener, where he returned match figures of 0-44.
His presence had allowed England to deploy their long-considered strategy of hitting Australia with sustained high pace, naming a five-man pace attack at Perth Stadium.
The plan worked early as England clocked their fastest collective day of Test bowling on the opening day of the Ashes. But the intensity faded on day two, with Australia counterattacking sharply to seal an eight-wicket win in their second innings.
As England look to regroup, Wood’s uncertain fitness adds a fresh layer of intrigue to a series already brimming with drama. Whether he can be ready in time for Adelaide — or whether the urn must wait for a later return — remains one of the big questions heading into the next chapter of the Ashes.
For now, England can only wait and watch as one of their most potent weapons works his way back to full stride. Wood’s absence has already altered the rhythm of their attack. (AP)
