England's Ashes preparations have been dealt a significant blow with star fast bowler Mark Wood in serious doubt for the first Test against Australia after injuring his hamstring during a warm-up match at Lilac Hill.
Injury Scare for Key Paceman
The 35-year-old quick, playing his first match since undergoing knee surgery in March, left the field shortly before tea on Thursday after bowling eight overs for figures of 0-29. Wood will now undergo precautionary scans on his left hamstring amid concerns about his availability for the series opener in Perth starting November 21.
While England's medical staff remains optimistic the issue isn't serious, the fact Wood couldn't complete the three-day practice match without an injury setback casts significant doubt over his Test prospects. "He has some stiffness in his hamstring, which has kept him off the field," an England team statement confirmed. "He will undergo a precautionary scan tomorrow and is expected to bowl again in two days' time."
Positive Signs for Stokes and Archer
In more encouraging news for the tourists, both captain Ben Stokes and express paceman Jofra Archer showed promising form in their return to competitive cricket. Stokes, playing his first match since injuring his shoulder in July, claimed four wickets before tea in a strong bowling display that will reassure England supporters.
Archer, who has managed just two Test appearances over the past four years due to persistent injuries, bowled 10 overs for figures of 0-35. The successful return of both players provides crucial depth to England's bowling attack as they seek their first Ashes series victory in Australia since 2010-11.
Selection Clues and Team Composition
England selected a full-strength XI for the warm-up fixture, opting for a four-pronged pace attack consisting of Wood, Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, with Stokes adding further bowling options. The visitors raised eyebrows by omitting spinner Shoaib Bashir from the main squad, instead selecting him for the England Lions side.
This decision suggests England may favour pace on the Perth pitch at Optus Stadium, potentially relying on Joe Root's part-time spin when variation is required. Bashir has played 19 Tests, including three during England's recent 2-2 series draw with India.
Stokes made an immediate impact with the ball, removing Tom Haines (20) and Jacob Bethell (2) during the morning session as the Lions slipped from 0-47 to 2-61. Ben McKinney top-scored with 67 for the Lions before falling to Tongue after lunch, while Stokes later added the wickets of Jordan Cox (53) and Rehan Ahmed (16).
Right-arm quick Brydon Carse was unavailable for selection on Thursday due to illness, remaining at the team hotel while his teammates competed.
England's decision to schedule only one warm-up match before the Ashes series has attracted criticism from cricket pundits, but captain Stokes remains confident his team has prepared adequately for the challenge ahead. With the first Test rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on Wood's scan results and his race against time to prove his fitness.
