England fast bowler Mark Wood has cast doubt on his availability for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide as he recovers from a knee injury.
Wood was ruled out of the ongoing second Test in Brisbane after pulling up sore following Australia’s eight-wicket win in the series opener in Perth.
The 35-year-old had a brace on his left knee during day one of the day-night Test at The Gabba on Thursday and told Australian television that he might not be fit until the fourth Test in Melbourne from December 26.
“I think there’s a chance there [for the third Test in Adelaide],” Wood told host broadcaster Channel 7. “More realistically, it’s probably more Melbourne and then [Sydney] after that.
“I need to get out of this [brace] first to get moving around.”
Wood’s return for the first match of the series, his first Test in 15 months, came after a nine-month injury absence with an elbow injury and then recovery from surgery on his left knee.
He bowled 11 wicketless overs in Perth, finishing with match figures of 0-44.
By fielding a five-man pace attack, England recorded their fastest collective day of bowling in a Test match on the opening day of the series, only to suffer an calamitous defeat on day two.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks has replaced Wood in an otherwise unchanged team for the second Test in Brisbane.
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Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton dissect England’s XI for the second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane, with off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks having replaced fast bowler Mark Wood for the day-night game.
Athers: Wood’s impact could be minimal
Sky Sports Cricket’s Michael Atherton:
“He is a key player, a fast bowler and the whole strategy here is to win The Ashes with pace.
“I think the initial hopes were that he would be right for the third Test in Adelaide but he has delivered a more pessimistic update.
“His impact in the series could be minimal.”
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26
All times UK and Ireland
First Test (Perth – November 21-25): Australia beat England by eight wicketsSecond Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4am) – The Gabba, BrisbaneThird Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (11.30pm) – 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
