Ashes 2025-26 | Mark Wood’s Hamstring Issue Puts England on Alert Before Perth Test

England fast bowler Mark Wood will have a scan after feeling hamstring stiffness during a warm-up match ahead of the Ashes opener on November 21.

England is facing an injury concern ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes after Mark Wood felt stiffness in his left hamstring during the team’s warm-up match against the England Lions in Perth. The fast bowler was returning from a nine-month layoff following left knee surgery. He bowled two four-over spells before leaving the field in discomfort. Despite the issue, Wood generated good pace on a slow surface at Lilac Hills, contrasting the quicker conditions expected at Optus Stadium for the opening Test.

Wood is scheduled to undergo precautionary scans, with his fitness to be reassessed in the coming days. His availability for the first Ashes Test remains uncertain as England monitor his recovery closely.

“The plan for Mark Wood was for him to bowl eight overs today. He has some stiffness in his hamstring, which has kept him off the field for some time during the second session of the first day. He will undergo a precautionary scan tomorrow. Wood is expected to bowl again in two days’ time. It is unlikely he will return to the field today,” the ECB statement read.

England Rely on Full-Pace Attack in Warm-Up Match

Notably, England opted for a full-pace attack in their warm-up match against the England Lions. Shoaib Bashir missed out on the main XI. Ben Stokes delivered the most impactful bowling, taking four of the five wickets before tea in his first outing since late July.

The Lions produced a strong first-innings score of over 300, led by Ben McKinney’s 67 off 92 and Jordan Cox’s 53 off 71. Will Jacks and Tom Lawes also reached fifties.