Fitness concerns for England speedster ahead of Ashes

Mark Wood is set to undergo precautionary scans after suffering hamstring stiffness during England’s warm-up game against the England Lions ahead of the Ashes.

However, according to the statement released by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Wood is expected to bowl in two days' time, though he is unlikely to take the field for the remainder of the warm-up action today.

Speaking after the first day's play, England's vice-captain Harry Brook discussed Wood's situation with the on-field reporters.

"It's not ideal, but that's part of being an extremely fast bowler. But I haven't seen him yet, and we'll see tomorrow [after scans]."

With the Ashes barely a week away, England would hope that their ace speedster is bowling with complete fitness against Australia.

The pacer had last featured in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, where he suffered a medial ligament damage in his left knee, and subsequently missed cricket for the remainder of the year.

Seeking their first Test series win in the country since 2010/11, the Ben Stokes-led side are banking on the added pace of Jofra Archer and Wood to bring them success Down Under.

Stokes himself will be key to England's chances with his middle-order batting and pace bowling.

Brook was pleased with his captain's six-wicket haul in the contest, "Proper player, isn't he? It's good to have him back in the side and leading from the front."

The hosts Australia have injury concerns of their own, with Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott all set to the miss the opening Ashes Test, while Josh Hazlewood was also under the scanner but eventually deemed fit following a scare in the Sheffield Shield.

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