Mark Wood Aims for Durham Return as He Prepares for Ashes Comeback

England fast bowler Mark Wood is targeting a return to Durham next month as he aims to recover from knee surgery in time for this winter’s Ashes series in Australia.

The 35-year-old hasn’t played since February after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained during the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He had expected to feature in the fifth Test against India earlier this month but suffered a setback when his knee swelled after a bowling session at Lord’s.

Wood said on the Stick to Cricket podcast that his injury is "all right" and he has been cautious to ensure full fitness ahead of the Australian tour.

His pace and experience are vital to England’s hopes of winning back the Ashes for the first time since 2015. Wood, the quickest of England’s seamers, shares the attack with Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson.

If Chris Woakes cannot recover from a shoulder issue, Wood may be the only frontline bowler in the squad with Test experience in Australia, where he claimed 17 wickets across four Tests during the 2021–22 tour.

Durham have three County Championship fixtures remaining: at Essex on 8 September, at home against Worcestershire on 15 September and away to Yorkshire on 24 September. Wood hopes to play in one or two of those matches before joining England’s preparation camp.

He added: "I can’t just bowl in the nets for four months – I’ll go insane. There’s a bowling camp in Loughborough to adapt to the conditions, then I’ll head to Perth early with a group of bowlers to acclimatise ahead of the first Test, which begins on 21 November."

Wood’s comeback with Durham is a key step in his preparation for the Ashes, where his pace and experience could prove decisive for England.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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