Wood’s fit and firing

one-day international came against Australia at Old Trafford last September but he is set to come back into the side for the first time in almost a year to form a fearsome attack that is likely to include Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes, two other bowlers who can top the 90mph barrier.

“He is another pace bowler who can bowl over 90,” Morgan said of Wood.

“We’ve been lucky Liam has been fit for an extended time and he has proved to be one of our best bowlers when a lot of people said he was cracking on in age.

“You add Mark Wood to that possible attack and it’s quite difficult.”

Another man who can bowl in excess of 90mph is Ben Stokes, Wood’s Durham team-mate.

However, the all-rounder will only be considered as a batsman for the opening two ODIs as he builds up his fitness following the knee injury that cut short his Test series against Pakistan.

It means Stokes might find himself on the sidelines for now, with England probably having to leave out the in-form Jonny Bairstow if they opt for the Durham man. If he does play, Bairstow, England’s Test wicketkeeper, will hand over the gloves to Jos Buttler, who has recovered from the hand injury that has kept him on the sidelines since early July.

“Jos is fully fit and will definitely play,” said Morgan. “He has been out for six weeks but that’s not a bad thing. There’s a chance he’ll be in all squads in the winter.”

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali is hoping to build on the momentum the tourists gained by drawing the recent Test series against England 2-2.