Mark Wood's chances of playing in the first Ashes Test appear to be improving after the England international bowled a “quick” spell in the nets in Perth on Tuesday.
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024 and felt a tightness in his left hamstring during England's only Ashes warm-up match.
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After scans cleared any concerns about a hamstring injury, the 35-year-old took part in England's first training session at Perth Stadium.
With his left knee severely strapped (having had surgery earlier this year), Wood took a few steps first and then picked up full speed after a full run.
Wicket-keeper Jamie Smith, who faced Wood in the nets, said: “He was very quick today. I can tell you this first hand.
“He should definitely be avoided in the scoring list. It was pretty close to full tilt, so that’s a good sign for us.”
England can confirm their squad for Friday's first Test against Australia on Wednesday.
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Wood could be part of England's five-man attack on a busy pitch. On Wednesday, a Western Australian newspaper ran a front-page photo of the Perth field, calling it a “green monster”.
Ten names appear to be set for the tourists: a consistent top seven, including recovering captain Ben Stokes, as well as seamers Jofra Archer, Braydon Carse and Gus Atkinson.
If England drop Wood, fellow seamer Josh Tong or bowling all-rounder Will Jacks could take his place.
Tong said he saw no reason why Wood would fail the first test.
“If his body is fine and management thinks he's ready to go, I don't see why not,” Tong said.
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Wood, one of the fastest bowlers to play Test cricket for England, has a checkered injury history.
His last exit from the Test team began 15 months ago due to an elbow problem. When the Durham player returned to white-ball cricket earlier this year, he suffered a knee injury that required surgery.
While there is some risk involved in his inclusion, England will be interested in including him due to his pace, previous success against Australia and the importance of getting the series off to a good start.
If England field five seamers, Wood's workload could be balanced by the other four. It may be harder to bowl him later in the series when a spinner is needed, meaning there are only three other bowlers to share the load.
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Wood was included among five seamers, including the all-rounder Stokes, in England's only warm-up game against the England Lions at Lilac Hill Stadium last week.
On the first day he bowled eight overs in two periods of four – a workload that England said had been pre-planned – but left the field midway through the afternoon session.
He had a scan and was cleared on Saturday morning but did not play another tour game.
