England fast bowler Mark Wood has become a major fitness concern ahead of the Ashes series after experiencing stiffness in his left hamstring during the team's warm-up match against England Lions in Perth. Wood, who had been out for nine months following surgery on his left knee, bowled two four-over spells at Lilac Hills before leaving the field mid-spell due to discomfort. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed he will undergo a precautionary scan and is expected to bowl again in two days. This injury scare comes at a critical time, just before the first Test at Optus Stadium. Meanwhile, Australia's Josh Hazlewood was cleared of his hamstring issue, though Sean Abbott was ruled out with a moderate-grade hamstring strain. In the warm-up match, England Lions posted over 300 runs in their first innings.
Wood's Fitness Update and Recovery Timeline
The England and Wales Cricket Board issued a statement explaining that Mark Wood was planned to bowl eight overs during the warm-up match. However, he developed stiffness in his hamstring, which kept him off the field during the second session. He will undergo a precautionary scan and is unlikely to return to the field on the same day. Despite the discomfort, Wood managed to deliver several lively balls on a relatively slow surface during his brief appearance. The medical team expects him to bowl again within two days, though his fitness remains uncertain for the series opener at Optus Stadium against Australia.
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