Mark Wood has once again proven his indispensability for England in the ongoing Ashes series against Australia. The right-arm pacer, known as one of the world’s fastest bowlers, has significantly bolstered his reputation with stellar performances.
After being on the bench for the first two Tests, Mark Wood made a remarkable comeback in the third Test and has since been unstoppable. His absence in the initial Tests saw England suffer defeats, but his inclusion in the third Test at Edgbaston had an immediate impact, leading the team to victory.
Right from his first innings in the series, the English star showcased his prowess by taking five wickets, and he followed it up with two more in the second innings. Mark Wood consistently troubled the Australian batsmen with his exceptional pace and bounce, rendering him virtually unplayable at times. Even in the drawn fourth Test, he managed to secure four crucial wickets, and in the ongoing fifth Test at The Oval, he has already taken two wickets in the first innings.
Mark Wood’s outstanding performances have undoubtedly highlighted his crucial role in the England cricket team, making him an invaluable asset for the ongoing Ashes series.
Mark Wood to miss The Hundred:
Amidst Mark Wood’s exceptional form and with the ICC World Cup 2023 drawing near, the English team management has made a significant decision concerning the talented pacer. They have opted to rest him during The Hundred tournament in order to safeguard him for the prestigious event. This move comes as Jofra Archer is already sidelined due to an elbow injury, making it crucial for England to prioritize Mark Wood’s fitness for the upcoming World Cup.
Unfortunately, this decision will have a considerable impact on The Hundred, which has already experienced the loss of several prominent players ahead of its third edition. Mark Wood’s absence will also be a major setback for the London Spirit team, especially considering they have already lost Olly Stone to a hamstring injury this week. Additionally, Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh from the competition adds to the challenges faced by the tournament organizers.
