Wood: I want to become England’s top pace man IN THE LONG RUN
Durham star set to add to his firepower with a new smoother, longer run-up to ease strains on his body
MARK WOOD has made sure he will not be taking a backwards step in his bid to become England’s go-to pace bowler ahead of the World Cup.
He has ditched his short runup, which involved an exaggerated pace away from the wicket before launching into a powerful sprint.
But for a man who has had more than his fair share of injuries the emphasis on short, sharp bursts of pace and power were adding unnecessary stress to an already creaking body.
Here in Sri Lanka, Wood will bring out the longer, smoother run-up he has been developing and hopes that it will help make him a more dangerous and consistent performer.
“It’s something I’ve worked on for the second half of the season and I’ve brought it here,” said Wood (left).
“I spoke to [bowling coaches] Kevin Shine and Chris Silverwood and said that off the short run I was having to force it all the time, that meant I was putting more stress than I needed to, and having to ramp it up to get my top speed.
“I just pushed my run-up back a bit and felt I could cruise into it a little bit better, and look for more rhythm rather than being at the top end forcing it all the time, and putting more stress on my body. It’s a trial, I can always go back to the backward step run-up.”
The 28-year-old knows he does not have too long to get things spot on for the World Cup next summer, especially with competition hotting up once more with the addition of pace firebrand Olly Stone (left) to the squad. Since the last World Cup it has been Wood, Liam Plunkett and David Willey who have carried the pace bowling load and played a big part in getting England to No.1 in the world.
But with Plunkett missing most of this series because he is getting married and Willey sidelined through injury, there is a huge opportunity for Wood to make himself indispensable before they return.
“It’s good having Olly here,” he added. “I’m used to having Pudsey (Plunkett) here and he can bowl quick. It’s nice to mix it up, keep you on your toes.
“We’ve a good squad of bowlers and it’s about keeping it fresh. Olly has looked really good so far.
“I don’t know how many games I’ll play. The key is not being too disappointed if you’re left out.
“It might be a case of you’re rested, someone comes in and does well.”