Mark Wood, England’s pace spearhead, is aiming for a return to Test cricket and hopes to feature in the fifth and final match of the ongoing series against India. The 35-year-old pacer is recovering from a knee injury and hopes to be fully fit for the Oval Test, scheduled to begin on July 31.

Wood sustained a ligament injury to his left knee during the 2025 Champions Trophy, which led to him having to exit the field in the middle of the match. After undergoing knee surgery in March, he was advised to follow a four-month rehabilitation period, which ruled him out of the five-match series. However, Wood has shown steady progress and hopes to appear late.

In an interview with BBC Test Match Special, Wood revealed that he has started light bowling and is cautiously optimistic about his chances of being ready for the fifth Test.

“The rehab is progressing well. I’ve begun bowling lightly, so I’m officially back on track,” Wood commented.

“I’m still hopeful of playing a role in this series, especially to see some players I could face. My focus is mainly on the final Test. Anything before that might be a bit too soon, but right now, the last Test is where my attention is.”

The last Test of the England-India series will be held at The Kia Oval, commencing on July 31. To prove his fitness, Wood is set to play for Durham in their County Championship match against Somerset, starting July 22.