England quick bowler Mark Wooden has offered a serious increase to the group’s preparations after returning to close full-tilt bowling within the nets forward of the Ashes opener in Perth on Friday, November 21. The pacer bowled an intense 40-minute spell on Tuesday, easing worries following a current hamstring scare throughout the warm-up match in opposition to the England Lions.
Wooden’s left leg had been closely strapped after two four-over spells in that recreation, elevating doubts about his availability for the opening Check. The 34-year-old has not performed aggressive cricket since February and has endured a tough 9 months, recovering from left knee surgical procedure and a stress fracture in his proper elbow suffered in September 2024.
Regardless of the setbacks, Wooden seemed sharp and fast in Perth, enhancing his probabilities of making the XI at Optus Stadium.
“Completely Speedy”: Jamie Smith on Going through Wooden within the Nets
England wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith, who confronted Wooden throughout the session, confirmed that the quick bowler was working at excessive tempo. “He was completely speedy as we speak, I can inform you that firsthand. He is undoubtedly one to keep away from. He is close to sufficient full tilt, so it is good indicators for us,” Smith instructed ESPNcricinfo.
Wooden is a key determine in England’s tempo assault and the one specialist bowler within the present squad with prior Ashes tour expertise. He was England’s standout performer throughout the 2021–22 Ashes, taking 17 wickets.
Ben Stokes will lead the facet for the upcoming sequence, with Harry Brook serving as vice-captain. The 16-member squad contains notable names akin to Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, and Josh Tongue, all gearing up for a high-stakes marketing campaign in Australia.
ENGLAND’S SQUAD FOR ASHES
Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, Mark Wooden.