WOOD’S PACE GIVES ROOT A REAL BUZZ
England captain Joe Root is already excited about the possibility of letting Mark Wood’s raw pace loose in this summer’s Ashes.
Wood walked away with the man-of-the-match award after England’s consolation victory in the third West Indies Test in St Lucia, a 232run hammering that left the hosts with a 2-1 series win.
The Durham seamer sent down an astonishing spell on fast bowling in the first innings, taking five wickets and breaking the 94mph barrier - speeds not seen from an Englishman in at least a decade.
England have just one more Test, against Ireland, before they attempt to win the urn back from Australia and Root is looking forward to see the rejuvenated Wood cause a stir.
“If he’s firing fit then I’m sure it’ll make some great TV and it would be great to be part of,” said second-innings centurion Root when asked about Wood’s potential Ashes impact.
“It’s great when you see him unleash himself and bowl with that pace and freedom. There’s enjoyment too, you always feel you’re getting the best out of Woody when he enjoys himself on the field.
“I don’t think I’ve been stood as far back at slip before. I’m trying to nurse a hole in my hand from that first catch I managed to cling on to. We might have be smart about how we use him - it’s a learning curve for me, I am by no means the finished article as captain.”
Wood said: “It’s been a great game and one I’ll always remember, but let’s see what the future holds,” he said.
“I didn’t think I’d get a day like I did the other day. Plenty of people were pleased for me and I appreciate the support, I had millions of messages.”
Root, mwanwhile, stood by his decision to challenge West Indies bowler Shannon Gabriel after the paceman found himself charged by the International Cricket Council for on-field comments during the third Test.
On day three, Root responded to an inaudible outburst from Gabriel by telling the Trinidadian “don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay”.
Gabriel was warned about his language by the on-field umpiring team of Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena, who later decided to lay a formal charge against the 30-year-old. It will be adjudicated upon in the first instance by ICC match referee Jeff Crowe.
Root, who suggested on the third evening that Gabriel “might regret” his choice of words, did not want to shed further light on the incident last night but was more than happy with his own part, which has been widely lauded back home.
“I just did what I thought was right ... it felt appropriate to act how I did.”