Ashes 2025: England's Mark Wood Eyes Brisbane Test After Perth Defeat

England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has signaled that a road trip to Brisbane could help the side reset after a bruising two-day start to the Ashes in Perth. The visitors were bowled out inside two days and now face a long layoff before their next challenge in Australia.

During a wide-ranging chat on the For Love of Cricket podcast with former teammate Stuart Broad, the 35-year-old hinted at the mental strain of the opening Test and suggested a long cross-country journey could help him stay focused as England regroup. The trip would cover roughly 2,832 miles as the squad looks to regain momentum in the series.

The first Test finished far sooner than expected, leaving England with an 11-day gap before the next match and a plan for a two-day pink-ball clash in Canberra against a PM's XI, largely made up of England Lions players rather than the Perth contingent.

Wood stressed that the turnaround was more emotional than physical. He said the opening Ashes day is draining, and that after the quick bowl-bat-bowl sequence, players struggle to switch off once back in the field. Returning from knee surgery, Wood bowled economically in the first innings (21 runs off eight overs) but did not claim a wicket, and delivered just 18 balls in the second innings as Australia raced to victory.

The touring side now travels to Queensland aiming to avoid losing the first two Tests for a fourth time on an Ashes tour. Wood backed England's bowlers to rebound and challenge Australia again, noting that the home side will be buoyed by the Perth win and England must respond with renewed aggression and precision.

Australia, buoyed by their early success, will carry confidence into Brisbane, but England believe a disciplined, aggressive spell of pace bowling can again tilt the balance. The squad will rely on a refreshed plan and improved execution to restore momentum in the next Test.

Fans can follow ongoing Ashes coverage with our rolling updates, expert analysis, and insights as the series unfolds.

What to watch next

• Brisbane Test: England's bowling unit vs Australia’s batting lineup
• Can England balance pace with discipline in the next outing?
• Impact of the long break on England’s match readiness

Key Takeaways

• Mark Wood signals a mental reset ahead of the Brisbane Test after Perth setback.
• An 11-day gap and a Canberra pink-ball match shape England’s preparation.
• Wood’s return from knee surgery offers a glimpse of England’s bowling potential.
• Australia’s Perth victory gives the hosts confidence as England seeks a comeback in Brisbane.

Expert Insight

A cricket analyst notes that in high-pressure Tests, mental resilience is as crucial as technical skill. The Brisbane challenge will test England's cohesion and focus as they attempt to turn the tide.

Summary

England face a difficult path to stability after a swift Perth finish. The team aims to rebound in Brisbane with sharper pace bowling and tighter fielding, while Wood and teammates balance emotional pressure with a clear plan. The Ashes demand consistency, and England must execute under pressure to regain control of the series.

Key insight: The opening Ashes clash underscored the importance of mental resilience and quick, bold bowling as England prepare for Brisbane. Source: BBC Sport

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