Mark Wood Aims for Ashes Comeback Alongside Jofra Archer

Mark Wood is focused on making a comeback for the Ashes, looking to join teammate Jofra Archer, who is also returning from injury. Their potential return comes after England's thrilling victory in the first Test against India, where Ben Duckett's remarkable 149 helped secure a historic chase. As the Ashes series approaches, both players are eager to prove their worth and reclaim their spots in the team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2025, 23:09 IST

Mark Wood's Aspirations for the Ashes

Mark Wood, the England fast bowler, is setting his sights on returning for the Ashes series, hoping to join his teammate Jofra Archer, who is also making a comeback after a lengthy injury absence. While Archer has been included in the squad for the second Test against India, Wood is still in the recovery phase from his injury.

Wood sustained a knee injury during a match against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy. He remains hopeful about his return to Test cricket and is eager to play alongside Archer.

Wood's Thoughts on His Comeback

“I still have that hope. We are running our own race a little bit. He (Archer) is ready to go now, I still have a bit to go and there are plenty of other bowlers around. So I wouldn’t necessarily say it is definitely me and him pencilled in,”

“We have got to be at our maximum, we have got to be 90 mph plus, and offering something to the captain and the team. It is no good just expecting to play when these lads are currently in the team and they are doing well. You have to earn your spot and I am sure me and Jofra will be out to do that,” Wood added.

The right-arm pacer acknowledged the competitive spirit between him and Archer, noting that their individual progress could influence their selection for the Test squad.

“We all need to put in those performances. It would be lovely to play with him but we have both got to run our own race, get up to speed and deserve that spot,” Wood stated.

Both players previously shared the field in a Test match against the West Indies. The Ashes series is set to commence on November 21, marking their potential return to Test cricket after a five-year hiatus since 2020.

England's Remarkable Victory in the Series Opener

In a thrilling encounter at Headingley, England achieved an astonishing run chase, successfully pursuing 371 runs on Day 5 to win the first Test against India, thereby taking a 1-0 lead in the series. This chase ranks as their second-highest successful run chase in Test history. Ben Duckett played a pivotal role, scoring an impressive 149, while his partnership with Zak Crawley, who contributed 65 runs, set a solid foundation for the chase. Joe Root (53*) and debutant Jamie Smith (44*) further solidified the victory with a composed 71-run partnership.

During the final session, with less than 100 runs required, Ben Stokes displayed aggressive batting, navigating through some tense moments, including a risky reverse-sweep that nearly cost him his wicket. Ultimately, he was caught after attempting the same shot off Shubman Gill.

India briefly fought back, with Prasidh Krishna dismissing Crawley and Pope. Shardul Thakur took Duckett's wicket at 149 and followed up by dismissing Brook, raising hopes for India. However, Root's steady performance, along with Smith's contributions, sealed the win with style, highlighted by two sixes off Jadeja.

The foundation for this remarkable chase was laid by the openers, who overcame early pressure and established their rhythm after the drinks break. Duckett's elegant stroke play and Crawley's timing proved too much for India's bowlers on a day they would prefer to forget.