WOOD HOPING TO PROVE FITNESS FOR THE ASHES
DURHAM PACEMAN MUST GET SOME MILES IN HIS LEGS TO BE READY FOR WINTER TOUR
Mark Wood is in no doubt that he needs the first injury-free run of his career if he is to fulfil his burning desire to become an England regular in all formats.
At 27, the Durham paceman has still played only 42 first-class games, including 10 Tests, and admits: “It would be nice to get through a season.”
To add to the frustration caused by a history of back, side and ankle injuries, his latest setback was largely self-inflicted because he neglected to renew the special insoles he was advised to fit in his boots.
“That was a bit dumb,” he said after a successful comeback this week from the bruised heel which had ruled him out since the second Test against South Africa in mid-July.
“My ankle feels a bit grubby but that’s normal and I’m pleasantly pleased with the way I feel.”
On the same day as he made a career-best 72 not out against Kent he also took three wickets in the visitors’ first innings.
“After six weeks out my rhythm and timing weren’t quite there, so I was not at my quickest. But in three games for Durham hopefully everything will click into place.”
Wood had been told by national selector James Whitaker he would not be involved in next Saturday’s T20 international on his home ground or the one-day international series which follows.
“He said they want me to get some miles in my legs. It was disappointing because I never want to miss games for England, but the bigger picture is looking ahead to a winter tour. I have to prove I can get through a lot of overs.
“I want to play for England in all formats and I need to score more runs. I have more runs in me than I have shown, but it’s hard when you are putting all your energy into bowling.
“I probably don’t hit enough balls in game time, but when I’m injured it’s nice to concentrate on batting when that’s the one thing I can do.”
With this week’s match at Emirates Riverside being seriously interrupted by the weather, Wood was able to watch his successor in the Test team, Toby RolandJones, enjoying more success against the West Indies.
“I don’t like watching because I’d much rather be playing. But I feel I should be watching to see what’s going on,” he said.
With Durham’s next match at home to Sussex not starting until Tuesday week, all but Paul Collingwood will have 10 days’ rest.
The captain flies to Dubai today to join up with the rest of the World X1 squad for three T20 internationals against Pakistan in Lahore.
“It would be nice to get through a season.” MARK WOOD