Quickest ashes ever

CRICKET

A YEAR today, it’s likely that England will be lining up in Australia for the opening Test of the Ashes.

And they could be doing so with the fastest pace attack ever to have left these shores.

Jofra Archer, Mark Wood (right) and Olly Stone are currently in South Africa for this month’s ODI and T20 series.

But all three will be hoping they are on the plane to take on the Aussies at their own game Down Under next winter.

Wood, potentially England’s fastest bowler, missed out on a Test central contract when they were handed out this autumn. But he has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be on the Ashes plane.

“Growing up, I always wanted to play for England across all formats,” Wood said. “I’m still trying to chase that dream of playing for England. Hopefully, I can get a few games this year and prove my worth across all three.”

Stone, with a single Test cap, is equally keen to be involved after a string of injuries.

Now fit and firing, he wants make an impact in both red-ball and white-ball cricket.

“I missed out on the Ashes in 2019 after playing that Test against Ireland, which was obviously disappointing,” he said. “But the body is feeling good, I’m bowling quick and I’m ready for what’s going to be a very busy year.”

Stone looked a million dollars on his Test bow against the Irish, taking 3-29 in a sharp firstinnings spell.

Archer will still have memories of making Aussie hero Steve Smith jump around at Lord’s in the summer of 2019.

His performances in the Big Bash have also proved that Aussie pitches are to his liking.

By the time England arrive in Australia it will have been a decade since their last Test win there, but this fearsome trio could change that – fast!