Mark Wood Cleared for Ashes Opener After Hamstring Scare

Relief has washed over the England camp as fast bowler Mark Wood has been medically cleared following a hamstring issue that surfaced during a recent warm-up match. The 35-year-old felt stiffness in his left hamstring on November 13, leading to him undergoing scans the next day. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a statement confirming that the scans were precautionary and that Wood is free from any significant concerns. He had bowled eight overs in his return to competitive cricket before experiencing the discomfort. While his participation in the remainder of the current warm-up fixture is unlikely, the ECB has assured fans and management that he will adhere to his scheduled training plan leading up to the first Ashes Test in Perth. Wood’s inclusion is vital for England’s pace attack, and his partnership with Jofra Archer and other quicks such as Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson, complemented by Ben Stokes and Joe Root, presents a formidable bowling unit. The team is determined to start the series with a win.