England’s Ashes campaign has received a significant boost with fast bowler Mark Wood being cleared of any serious hamstring injury following precautionary scans in Perth. The 35-year-old Durham speedster, who had surgery on his left knee in February, experienced hamstring tightness during England’s warm-up match against England Lions at Lilac Hill.

Wood left the field on Thursday after bowling two four-over spells, sparking immediate concern in the England camp. However, Friday’s scan results brought relief as medical staff confirmed no muscle damage. The express pace bowler will take a couple of days off before resuming full training ahead of the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.

Australia’s Pace Attack Hit Hard
In a dramatic twist of fortune, Australia suffered a major setback just 86 minutes after Wood’s positive news. Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the Perth Test with a hamstring strain, joining captain Pat Cummins on the sidelines. This means Australia will be without two-thirds of their premier pace attack for the series opener.

Hazlewood’s injury was initially cleared during a Sheffield Shield match, but follow-up scans revealed the muscle strain. Michael Neser has been added to the Australian squad as cover, while Brendan Doggett could make his Test debut alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

England’s Golden Opportunity
England teammate Brydon Carse expressed relief at Wood’s recovery, praising his resilience.

He’s got a huge amount of resilience. You look at some of the setbacks he’s had in his career, to keep coming out and keep going through the processes, shows the character he has

The timing couldn’t be better for England. With Australia missing their two main strike bowlers, the tourists have their best chance to win in Perth since their last Ashes triumph Down Under in 2010-11. Wood’s raw pace on the bouncy Optus Stadium pitch could prove crucial in exploiting Australia’s weakened attack.

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie believes his country remains the favourites despite the injuries.

Scott Boland is a superb bowler,  averaging 12 in Australia. Brendan Doggett is in fine form and one of the quickest bowlers in Australia. England should be wary. 

England’s pace bowling options now include Wood, Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Matt Potts, Josh Tongue and all-rounder Ben Stokes. The visitors finalise their XI after assessing conditions, but Wood’s availability gives captain Ben Stokes a potent weapon for the series opener.