Wood Eyes Durham Return Ahead of Ashes

England’s fast bowler, Mark Wood, has voiced his eagerness to participate in the ongoing County Championship for Durham. This move is intended as preparation for the highly anticipated Ashes series in Australia later this year.

Wood has been sidelined for over half a year, following a surgical procedure on his left knee to address medial ligament damage. The injury worsened during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The 35-year-old was expected to be fully recovered for the fifth Test of the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India. He accompanied the England squad with this expectation.

However, his comeback was postponed due to a minor setback during training at The Lord’s before the third Test, necessitating fluid drainage from his knee.

Now fully fit, Mark Wood revealed his intentions to play for Durham in the County Championship to strengthen his case for Ashes selection.

“I’m looking forward to playing for Durham as they have a few games in September – so I’ll aim to participate in one or two,” Wood stated during a podcast.

“The injury has improved. It was uncertain whether I would be ready for the India Test. I was bowling at Lord’s, but the next day, my knee swelled up again, requiring drainage. Since then, it’s been about being cautious and focusing on the winter ahead,” he added.

Wood, who played a crucial role in England’s Ashes 2023 draw by taking 14 wickets in three matches, also mentioned that he has communicated his plans for the upcoming series to head coach Brendon McCullum, expressing that he would ‘go insane’ without playing.

“I’ve received excellent care and have been very cautious, which has been the approach. I appreciate that the ECB has a long-term plan to get me to Australia,” Wood continued.

“However, I told Baz McCullum that I can’t simply practice in a net for four months; I’ll lose my mind. There’s a bowling camp in Loughborough in a tent, designed to help acclimatize for Perth. Then, I’ll head to Perth early with a couple of bowlers, arriving about a week in advance to prepare and acclimatize.”

The Ashes series is scheduled to commence in Perth on November 21, followed by a day-night Test in Brisbane.

The third Test will be held in Adelaide, with Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remaining two matches.