Mark Wood is set to miss the second Test of the 2025/26 Ashes, a day-nighter at Brisbane from December 4.
Mark Wood set to miss Brisbane Test
Wood had suffered an injury scare during England’s pre-Ashes tour game against the England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth. He was taken for scans after he bowled eight overs and experienced some discomfort in his left hamstring.
However, after being cleared to play the first Test, at the Perth Stadium, Wood bowled at searing pace in the first innings. He frequently clocked 145kph and even crossing the 150kph at least once. While he did not get a wicket from his eight overs, he troubled the batters, none more than Cameron Green, whose visor he hit with a vicious bouncer.
However, even as Travis Head went on rampage in the fourth innings, Wood bowled only three overs during the chase. Yet again, he did not pick up a wicket as Australia won by eight wickets.
Reporters in Australia stated that Wood experienced soreness in his left knee after the game, with England set to leave him out in the hope that he can play a greater role in the following three Tests.
On the eve of the Ashes, the injury-prone Wood had said that “[he would] definitely not play five [Tests]. I think it just depends. I think review it after every game.”
England may replace Wood with Shoaib Bashir at Brisbane to add a spinner to their all-pace attack. Alternately, they may consider Matthew Potts, who used the short ball well on the first day against the Prime Minister’s XI, or Josh Tongue, the other quick in their squad.
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