I still fear body Wood not take Test cricket
PACEMAN MARK’S FIVE-DAY WORRIES
SPEEDSTER Mark Wood has revealed his doubts over being the X-Factor Test match bowler England so desperately need.
And even though he wants nothing more than to repeat his 2015 Ashes-winning heroics, he admits his injury woes might deny him the chance.
Currently in a starring role in England’s oneday revolution with the sort of pace which was missing from the Ashes, Wood is enjoying the sensation of being fit and able, making a difference and playing in a winning team.
But with three lots of ankle surgery and associated problems in his past, the 28-yearold’s ability to play Test cricket remains an unknown.
“Coming onto the field with England I feel a little more comfortable in the one-day side than the Test side,” said Wood. “I still feel I’ve a point to prove in Tests.
“That’s the format I want to play. But, if you look at history, it shows I’ve not been successful at doing it.
“The self-doubt, from my point of view, is, ‘Can my body withstand five days of hard cricket? Then a couple of days off and five more days of hard cricket?’
“Of course, the self-doubt has been there because my record doesn’t back up that I can do it – although that’s what I’m striving for.
“Hoping to prove my doubters wrong, prove to myself. I still think that until I actually do it… it’s easy saying it time after time but until I actually do it it’s pointless.”
Wood will get the chance to actually do it in New Zealand in March, and one suspects if he struggles again to sustain his fitness into the summer that will be that with the red-ball game.
After tomorrow’s fourth ODI on Australia Day, attention will turn to the Indian Premier League auction where Wood is one of 24 England players hoping to be picked up. If he is the future will look far from bleak.
“I think the IPL sort of could give me an option,” he added. “If that was my only option if I couldn’t withstand Test cricket, is that a route I could potentially go down?
“It would be great to be out there and under pressure like I’ve been with England, but I have to be picked up first.”