He'll do everything...: Joe Root provides injury update on Mark Wood before Brisbane Test
Brisbane, November 30
Veteran England batter Joe Root has provided an injury update on speedster Mark Wood ahead of the Brisbane Test against Australia, starting on December 4.
Wood was out of the England Test setup for nine months after having surgery on his left knee. The right-arm pacer made his comeback to the side during the first Ashes Test in Perth, which the Three Lions lost by eight wickets. Wood bowled 11 overs in the Perth Test.
"I don't know the full ins and outs with Woody, but you know with him he'll do everything he can to be as ready as soon as possible. He's very professional in that regard. He's desperate to do well for England. He'll put everything out on the field, leave no stone unturned. He wants to bowl as fast as he can, as often as possible, in England," Root said while speaking to England.
"In terms of him getting ready, I don't know when it'll be. Whether that's days or weeks, we'll see. But clearly if he does miss out, then that provides a brilliant opportunity for someone to come in. What a great stage to go and perform on, and great opportunity. A lot can happen quite quickly. You can have a real influence on the game. That's the carrot there for whoever it is that gets the opportunity if Woody's not available," Root added.
Root's statement comes after the England seamer missed the first training session in Brisbane on Saturday. Wood became the only one among the 13 team members in England to not show up at Allan Border Field.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Wood's absence from England's opening training session at Allan Border Field on Saturday - before the pink-ball Test - suggests he is being rested as the tourists look to recover from their 1-0 deficit. If all goes smoothly, he is expected to be available again for the third Test in Adelaide, which starts on December 17.
Notably, Wood was England's best bowler on the 2021-22 tour (17 wickets at 26.64), and he took nine wickets in the final Test at Hobart - England's last pink-ball match in Australia. With him being rested, Josh Tongue is likely to take his spot.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a neutral fan, I want to see the best players on the field. Wood's pace adds so much excitement to the Ashes. It's smart management to rest him if needed, better than risking a long-term injury.
Root's comments show good team culture. "Leaving no stone unturned" is a phrase we use here too! But honestly, England's pace attack worries me. They need Wood fit to have any chance down under.
Watching from India, I feel for Wood. Coming back from a long injury is tough. But this is why squad depth is so important. Tongue gets a golden chance now on the big stage.
Respectfully, I think England are being too cautious. If he bowled 11 overs in Perth, he should be ready for Brisbane. The Ashes is the pinnacle; you play your best XI if they're remotely fit. This could cost them.
His stats from the last tour are impressive! 17 wickets. England will miss that X-factor. Hope the management knows what they're doing. As an Indian cricket fan, we know how crucial a fit fast bowler is in Australia!
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