The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Injury-hit Wood driven by dream of Ashes place
Fast bowler hankers for a revival of Test career Down Under
Mark Wood is still hoping to gatecrash this winter’s Ashes – and will never give up on his Test career, despite his injury troubles.
Wood endured inevitable mixed feelings when he found himself bowling alongside his England Lions colleagues to Joe Root’s Ashes hopefuls in the Gabba nets prior to today’s first Test in Brisbane.
A succession of ankle and heel problems have restricted the fast bowler to just two Test appearances in the past two years – both against South Africa last summer.
But, at the age of 27, after three operations and of late a succession of sugar injections to aid his recovery from ligament damage, he still hankers for a Test career which extends far beyond his 10 caps to date – starting, he dearly hopes, against Australia this winter.
Asked if he would ever settle for an international career limited to white-ball cricket, Wood said: “No, never.”
Casting his eye around the Gabba outfield, he added: “This is the ultimate. It was tough on Tuesday, seeing all the lads preparing. It was nice to see everyone, but it was really hard to be on the edge of things and not amongst it. I’m still hoping that at some point I might be part of it.
“It is a long series. If there is an injury, I’m hoping to be raring to go.”
He would not wish that misfortune on anyone of course – especially after
“I’m still hoping that at some point I might be part of it”
his own experiences – but when the Lions move on to Perth after a three-day fixture against a Queensland XI next week, Wood is relishing the prospect of bowling in the famed WACA nets.
It is not just in the middle that pace is to be found in Perth and Wood said: “I’ve heard numerous things about the WACA nets, so I’m looking forward to that. If I can build it up and then impress in those WACA nets, then I hope I can play some part in the series.”
He rates himself just “80%” fit, as he works back up to full pace, having undergone a succession of medical procedures which will be unfamiliar to many.
“I’ve had a series of injections – sugar injections, which sounds a bit bizarre, but the sort of thing they said would work long term,” he added.
“It’s a horrible injection.” All the pain will be worth it, though, if it helps him realise potential and which Wood believes is still untapped.
His bowling average stands above 40 in both Tests and one-day internationals – and asked how well he has done so far, Wood’s is a modest reply.
“Five out of 10, I’d say,” he offered. “There’s been the odd glimpse, but I’ve never lived up to my own expectations.
“I think there’s a lot more to come and eventually I hope I can improve and repay the faith from people like (former bowling coach) Otis Gibson.”