‘I’ll go insane’: Pacer who missed India-England Test series reveals injury layoff struggle | Cricket News – Times of India

Mark Wood is plotting a return to be slot in time for the Ashes in late November (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

England pacer Mark Wood is aiming to make his comeback in county cricket subsequent month after spending greater than six months on the sidelines with a knee injury. The 35-12 months-outdated has not featured since February, when swelling in his knee compelled him out of rivalry for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in opposition to India. Wood admitted he was near regaining health however suffered a setback that extended his absence. “It was 50/50 whether I was going to make the India Test, but I was bowling at Lord’s and then, the next day, my knee swelled up again,” Wood revealed on the Stick to Cricket podcast. “I had it drained, and since then, it’s just been about taking things easy, looking ahead to the winter.” The fast, who final performed Test cricket just a little over a 12 months in the past, is now concentrating on appearances in his county’s September fixtures in opposition to Essex, Worcestershire and Yorkshire. “I’m hoping to play for Durham as there are a couple of games in September, so I’ll try and play one or two of those,” he stated. Wood emphasised that England’s administration have prioritised warning along with his restoration, maintaining the Ashes series in Australia later this 12 months firmly in sight. “I’ve been well looked after and very cautious, that’s the way that it’s been. I value it as [England] have got this end game where they want me to get to Australia,” he added.

Looking forward, Wood additionally spoke about his preparations for the 5-match series, starting in Perth on November 21. “I said to (Brendon) McCullum, I can’t just bowl to a net for four months, I’ll go insane. There’s a bowling camp in Loughborough in a tent – getting acclimatised there, ready for Perth – then I’ll go over to Perth early with a couple of bowlers.” Wood has 41 wickets in opposition to Australia in 11 Tests at 27.48, together with a memorable 14-wicket haul within the 2023 dwelling series. If match, he shall be central to England’s push to reclaim the Ashes for the primary time since 2015.