Mark Wood's Availability for Third Ashes Test in Doubt

Mark Wood, the England pacer, has expressed uncertainty about his availability for the third Ashes Test due to ongoing knee issues. After undergoing surgery earlier this year, he made a comeback in the first Test but faced challenges in the second due to pain. Wood is hopeful for a return in the fourth Test in Melbourne, emphasizing the mental and physical hurdles he faces in his recovery. As England trails 1-0 in the series, fans are eager to see if Wood can make a comeback.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 15:36 IST

Mark Wood's Injury Concerns Ahead of Ashes Test

Mark Wood, the right-arm fast bowler from England, has raised concerns regarding his participation in the upcoming third Ashes Test scheduled to commence on December 17 in Adelaide. Earlier this year, Wood underwent surgery on his left knee. He made his return to international cricket during the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth last month, marking his first Test appearance in 15 months.

In the opening match of the Ashes series, Wood bowled 11 overs without taking a wicket, contributing to Australia's victory by eight wickets, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Unfortunately, the 35-year-old pacer was unable to play in the second Test in Brisbane due to ongoing pain in his left knee.

Mark Wood Aims for Return in Melbourne Test

During an interview with Channel 7 at the tea break on the first day of the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, Wood expressed that he might not be ready until the fourth Test in Melbourne, which is set for December 26. He mentioned that he has been receiving injections in his knee since the first Test concluded in Perth.

"I think there's a chance there, but more realistically, it's probably more Melbourne and then [Sydney] after that... I need to get out of this [brace] first to get moving around. Throughout my career, I've tried to show resilience and keep coming back and keep trying to push it where I can bowl faster and faster, but I'm getting older now. I don't know if my body's not coping with it as well [as it used to], but I'll keep trying. That's something I pride myself on, to keep running in for the team and be a good team man. I'm hoping I can get this right and can charge in again," Wood stated.

"I'm trying to just get through day-to-day at the moment. Later in the series is what I'm aiming for, but I can't do that much at the moment. I've had a couple of injections, resting up, and slowly but surely, running will start soon, then back into bowling. It's more mentally difficult than physically. You've got to try and build it back up and come back again, and that's probably the more difficult thing," he added.

Currently, England is trailing 1-0 in the five-match Ashes Test series.