Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton says England are “optimistic” that fast bowler Mark Wood will play in the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth from Friday.
Wood suffered from a tight left hamstring during the tourists’ sole warm-up match against the Lions last week but scans showed no cause for concern and he could form part of a five-man pace attack if he features in his first Test since August 2024.
The 35-year-old – who has not played a competitive fixture since February following knee surgery – appeared to play down any lingering fitness worries with an “absolutely rapid” spell in training on Tuesday, according to team-mate Jamie Smith.
Wood bowled eight overs in day one of England’s Ashes warm-up against the Lions last week
If selected, Wood could join fellow seamers Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and captain Ben Stokes in the XI, while if he misses out, Josh Tongue would be the most probable deputy, unless England want the spin of Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.
However, with the pitch at Optus Stadium likely to be quick – it was dubbed a “green monster” by the local press three days out – an all-pace frontline attack appears likely, something hinted at last week with the make-up of their XI for the solitary tune-up game.
Wood bowled eight overs on day one of that fixture before his hamstring niggle prevented him taking any further part.
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024
Wood ‘near enough at full tilt’
Atherton said of Wood’s efforts in training: “He put in a good shift and came through pretty well. He is obviously going to have to bowl on Wednesday and recover from that before England announce their side but they seem optimistic about his state of readiness.”
England wicketkeeper Smith added of Wood, whose left leg was heavily strapped throughout the session: “He was absolutely rapid, I can tell you that first hand.
Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton says Wood (pictured) ‘put in a good shift’ on Tuesday
“He’s definitely one to avoid on the (practice) list. He’s near enough full tilt so it’s good signs for us.
“I know we’ve got guys who are all bowling 90 miles an hour, but there’s some that you are just desperate to avoid and I think Woody is definitely one of them here, with the reputation of these nets.
“It’s obviously great preparation for what we’ve got in store here so you can’t really complain.”
England seamer Josh Tongue could play in Perth if the tourists choose not to risk Wood
Wood’s fellow paceman Tongue said: “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, PerthSecond Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, BrisbaneThird Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide OvalFourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket GroundFifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
