Mark Wood has mentioned that he might still join England’s Test series against India as he continues to recover from his knee surgery. The 35-year-old had to leave the Champions Trophy earlier this year due to damage to the medial ligament in his left knee and underwent surgery in March.
Initially, doctors expected a four-month recovery period, which meant he would likely miss all five Tests against Shubman Gill’s India starting at Headingley on Friday.
However, Wood has now shared that he could be available for the final Test at the Kia Oval, which kicks off on July 31. It is believed that he will make his return to competitive cricket with Durham in their County Championship match against Somerset, starting on July 22, where they will use the Kookaburra ball.
“Rehab is going well,” Wood told BBC Test Match Special. “I’ve just started bowling very lightly, so I’m officially on my way back now. I’m still hoping to contribute to this series so I can see some of the players I might face. I’m aiming for probably the last Test.
Anything before that might be a bit too soon. While I might not make it for the last Test, that’s still my goal for now.”
“It’s been a little slow to get back into things at first. I haven’t done much yet, but I’m starting to pick up the pace with some bowling practice. Hopefully, it won’t be long before I’m fully back. I’m still hoping to contribute at the end of the series, but I’ll just have to wait and see.”
England is being careful with Wood since the Ashes tour in Australia is coming up, and their fast bowling options are limited due to injuries. Olly Stone’s knee injury has kept him out for the whole Test season, while Gus Atkinson couldn’t play in the first Test against India because he hurt his hamstring during a match against Zimbabwe.
At the same time, Jofra Archer is making a carefully planned return, and England’s management is hopeful he will be ready for the second Test in Birmingham on July 2.
This raises excitement for his possible comeback after being out for four years due to stress fractures in his back and right elbow. Archer is expected to play for Sussex against Durham starting Sunday; he last played competitive red-ball cricket in May 2021.”
