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Mark Wood eyes 2025 Ashes return after a frustrating summer sidelined by a knee injury.
Mark Wood has been out for 4 months on account of injury. (AFP Photo).
Ahead of the 2025 Ashes series against Australia, England pacer Mark Wood described his off-season as a “frustrating summer,” attributable to a knee injury that sidelined him.
Wood was the highest wicket-taker for England of their 4-0 loss in the course of the 2021-22 Ashes series. In 2023, he showcased his pace and exceptional bowling against Australia at Headingley, earning him the Man of the Match award.
The 35-year-old has been absent from competitive cricket for the reason that Champions Trophy attributable to his knee injury.
The Ashes series between Australia and England for the 2025-26 season will start on November 21 with the primary Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, running until November 25. The second Test, a day-night match, will happen from December 4 to eight at The Gabba in Brisbane.
The third Test can be held at Adelaide Oval from December 17 to 21, followed by the fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 25 to 29. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 4 to eight.
Discussing his situation on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Wood mentioned his setbacks but noted his regular progress in regaining pace during training, aiming to be fit for the Recent Zealand series and the Australian tour.
“It was a frustrating summer. I didn’t get to play any cricket and my knee, at times if you think that you just’re nearly able to play, it was not only quite there. I got knocked back a few times, but within the tent it’s been going well. I’ve had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there, so I’m constructing nicely into Recent Zealand first, after which the Australian leg,” Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast.
“Hopefully, I’m in form, bowling well within the practice games and within the nets, and might put my hand up for that game [in Perth]. The rehab hasn’t just been a straight curve. It’s been a bit up and down, but I’m in a very good position now where I’m hoping to kick on for that game. I never want to present a solution where I say, ‘Yes, I’m pumped, I’m ready’. But I’m in a confident place on the minute and feeling quite a bit more positive, so I’m quietly confident,” he added.
(With agency inputs)
October 17, 2025, 12:22 IST
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