England’s Mark Wood Suffers Injury Scare Ahead of Ashes Opener

England fast bowler Mark Wood experienced hamstring discomfort during a warm-up match before the Ashes series.

England received concerning news as their key fast bowler Mark Wood suffered an injury during a practice match. The incident occurred on the first day of England’s warm-up game against England Lions in Perth, just days before the Ashes 2025 opener scheduled for November 21.

Wood felt discomfort after bowling eight overs in the practice match. The England cricket team confirmed through social media that the seamer had pulled up with hamstring stiffness and would undergo medical scans.

ALSO READ | “Rizwan Made Way for Me”: Shaheen Afridi Opens Up on Pakistan Captaincy Decision

The England and Wales Cricket Board released an official statement regarding Wood’s condition. “Mark Wood is set to undergo a precautionary scan on Friday Nov 14, after suffering hamstring stiffness during Day 1 of England’s warm-up game against England Lions in Perth. The England fast bowler spent time off the field during the afternoon session, having completed eight overs with the ball. He is expected to bowl again in two days time,” read ECB’s statement.

Injury Adds To Wood’s Fitness Challenges

This injury adds to Wood’s recent fitness challenges. Earlier this year, he underwent left knee ligament surgery during the Champions Trophy, which kept him out of action for five months. England had taken a risk by including Wood in the Ashes squad since he hasn’t played any cricket since the Champions Trophy 2025.

ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer Unlikely to Be Fit for South Africa ODIs | Reports

Wood’s last Test match was over a year ago during Sri Lanka’s tour of England. During that series, he could only play the first Test before suffering a side strain that ruled him out of the second match. Given this history, his participation throughout the entire five-match Ashes series remains uncertain.