England's Ashes campaign has received a major boost with spearhead quick Mark Wood cleared to play in the first Test after a worrying hamstring scare.
Injury Scare at Lilac Hill
The injury-prone fast bowler sent a wave of concern through the English camp on Thursday when he pulled up lame during his second spell in the warm-up match against the Lions XI at Lilac Hill Park in Perth. The 35-year-old was immediately sent for scans on his left hamstring, with the England team taking the unusual step of sending the results back to the UK for further verification.
Mark Wood was spotted doing light work with the team on Friday, but his participation in the crucial first Test remained in doubt until Saturday's announcement.
Clearance and Cautious Optimism
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the England camp released a statement confirming the positive news. "Following precautionary scans on Friday, England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring," the statement read.
While he will not take any further part in the Lilac Hill warm-up match, the team confirmed that "Wood will continue to train as planned in the build-up to the first Test in Perth."
Implications for the Ashes Series
Despite the all-clear, the incident raises questions about Wood's match readiness. The scare means he will head into the first Test with only eight overs of match practice under his belt. Given his extensive injury history, England's management is expected to be extremely cautious about rolling him out underdone for what promises to be a gruelling Ashes series.
This development comes as the English pace attack gets its final competitive hit-out against the England Lions, with team selectors now facing a critical decision on Wood's fitness for the opening match of the highly anticipated series.
