Samira Vishwas
Tezzbuzz|30-11-2025
Overview:
He is not expected to recover in time for Thursday’s opening day at the Gabba in Brisbane, but England will be hoping he could return later in the series.
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — England fast bowler Mark Wood missed a training session Saturday, raising doubts about his availability for the second Ashes test due to concerns over his troublesome left knee.
The 35-year-old Wood’s fitness had been an issue going into the five-match series after he only recently returned following knee surgery in March.
That was the eighth operation of his career. He had been training with heavy strapping on his leg.He is not expected to recover in time for Thursday’s opening day at the Gabba in Brisbane, but England will be hoping he could return later in the series.
Meanwhile, he clocked over 150 kmph in the series opener at the Optus Stadium, and his absence will impact the visiting team in the day-night contest.
Australia leads 1-0 after an eight-wicket victory with three days to spare in Perth, where Wood bowled just 11 overs in total, returning 0-44.
The hosts have announced an unchanged squad for the upcoming match. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who have started bowling after recovering from injuries, were not considered as the selectors don’t want to take a risk with the two senior pacers.
Australia second Test squad: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
England Squad for Ashes: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
