England has received a major blow ahead of the second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane, as pace spearhead Mark Wood is expected to be sidelined due to concerns over his left knee. Wood did not participate in the team’s initial training session in Brisbane, remaining at the team hotel to manage the injury. The rest of the squad took part in an optional practice. Despite having four days of training left at the Gabba, including important sessions under lights, Wood’s availability for the day-night Test is highly questionable. This fitness issue adds to a challenging period for the 35-year-old fast bowler, who underwent surgery on the same knee in March and recently managed a hamstring issue. Although cleared to play in the first Test, Wood bowled only 11 overs in Perth, with noticeable strapping on his knee, and his pace appeared to decrease as the match progressed. While Wood didn’t claim any wickets in the first Test, his blistering pace, clocking 93mph, was evident and posed a threat to the Australian batsmen. The potential absence of Wood opens the door for Josh Tongue to be included in England’s playing XI for the second Test. Tongue, along with Matthew Potts, is currently in Canberra for a Lions match against a Prime Minister’s XI. Potts took two wickets on Saturday, while Tongue was wicketless. The Lions reached 30 without loss after the Prime Minister’s XI declared at 308 for eight.
