England’s Mark Wood Looks Up To Ashes Call After ‘Frustrating’ Summer

Mark Wood described his off-season as “frustrating” due to a knee injury but reported steady progress ahead of the 2025 Ashes series.

Ahead of the 2025 Ashes series against Australia, England pacer Mark Wood described his off-season as a “frustrating summer” because of a knee injury that kept him out of action.

Mark Wood was England’s top wicket-taker during their 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes series. In 2023, he impressed with his pace and bowling at Headingley against Australia, earning the Man of the Match award.

The 35-year-old has not played competitive cricket since the Champions Trophy due to his knee issue. The 2025-26 Ashes series between Australia and England will begin on November 21 with the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, running until November 25.

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The second Test, a day-night match, will be held from December 4 to 8 at The Gabba in Brisbane. The third Test is scheduled at Adelaide Oval from December 17 to 21, followed by the fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 25 to 29. The series will conclude with the fifth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 4 to 8.

Discussing his situation on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Wood spoke about his setbacks but highlighted his steady progress in regaining pace during training. He aims to be fit for the New Zealand series and the Australian tour.

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Mark Wood Opens Up On Frustrating Summer

“It was a frustrating summer. I didn’t get to play any cricket and my knee, at times when you think that you’re just about ready to play, it was not just quite there. I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent it’s been going well. I’ve had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there, so I’m building nicely into New Zealand first, and then the Australian leg,” Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, as quoted by The BBC.

“Hopefully, I’m in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [in Perth]. The rehab hasn’t just been a straight curve. It’s been a bit up and down, but I’m in a good position now where I’m hoping to kick on for that game. I never want to give an answer where I say, ‘Yes, I’m pumped, I’m ready’. But I’m in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I’m quietly confident,” Wood added.