[ad_1]
England’s Mark Wood has had to deal with a few strokes of injury throughout his career and has been in and out of the Test side. However, he is confident his body will hold up well after an impressive display at Headingley and is positive about being fit for the last two Tests.
Wood produced a stunning all-round display at Headingley, picking up seven wickets and scoring 40 runs in the game. It was highlighted by the way he played three consecutive Tests in Australia and felt that a little break before the next Test in Manchester would help him get his body ready again.
Here is what Wisden quotes Mark Wood about his fitness:
“I did four in Australia, three of them were in a row. It’s a lot of asking, but I’ve done it before, and I’m going to build on that experience to try and do it again. I’ll let the body recover, myself in a good place, let the wounds heal and prepare myself for the next one.”
Wood also spoke of the confidence shown by England captain Ben Stokes before the Third Test. he added:
Stokes just asked me, ‘Are you ready to throw some lightning bolts? I said, ‘Yeah,’ and that was it. I know him so well and he knows me so well. Having this relationship with someone makes it easier. He was ready to let me loose.”
Mark Wood on his partnership with Chris Woakes
It might have been fitting that Mark Wood and Chris Woakes struck a partnership to get England over the line at Headingley. Both added this avant-garde to the hosts’ bowling as well as much needed depth of batting.
Mark Wood scored a quick 24 off just 8 balls in the first innings and with a 16* in the second innings made sure he stayed on until the last to see Woakes hit the winning runs. In this regard, Wood said:
“One of the best feelings I’ve had. I’ve been in this situation a lot where I lost the match, this is the first time I’ve been able to win the match.”
With Mark Wood and Chris Woakes almost certain to play the next Test, it will be interesting to see how England work out a way to bring James Anderson back for their playing XI in Manchester.
[ad_2]
