Mark Wood has offered a hopeful update on his fitness status, revealing that he has resumed light bowling and is aiming to be available for England’s fifth and final Test against India, scheduled at the Kennington Oval from July 31 to August 4.
The 35-year-old fast-bowler has been out of action since sustaining a medial ligament injury in the Champions Trophy 2025 against Afghanistan. He underwent a surgery for the same in March. It ruled him out of England’s Test series against India that began on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds.
Mark Wood’s rehabilitation has entered a promising phase. The speedster is slowly building up his workload. While he admitted that the process has been slow initially, he is now making progress with the ball in hand. His gradual return to bowling has lifted hopes that he might be fit and firing for the final Test of the ongoing series versus India.
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Mark Wood Resumes Bowling, Hopes to Feature in Fifth Test Against India
England pacer confirmed that he has set his sights on making an impact before the series concludes. While a comeback earlier in the series looks unlikely, Wood is determined to play a role if possible in the final match.
Speaking to BBC Test Match Special, Wood shared detailed insight into how his recovery is shaping up and how he is mentally preparing for a possible return at the back end of the series.
"Rehab is going well. I’ve just started bowling very lightly, so I’m on the comeback trail now officially," Wood said as quoted to BBC Test Match Special.
"I’m hoping still to play a part in this series, so I get to have a look at some of the players here who I might come up against. I’m still targeting probably the last Test. Anything before that is maybe a bit too soon. The last Test, I might not get there, but at the minute, that’s still my focus that I might play a part," he added.
Wood also opened up about the sluggish start to his comeback and how he is trying to remain patient through the process.
"It’s been a bit slow (comeback) to start with. I haven’t been able to do a lot, but starting to speed up now, getting some bowling in, hopefully not too much longer. I am still hoping that I can play a part right at the end of the series, but I’ll just wait and see," Wood concluded.
Known for his explosive pace and match-turning spells, Wood’s absence has been felt, especially on pitches where extra pace have played a crucial role.
He is expected to make his return to competitive cricket with Durham in their County Championship match against Somerset. The fixture is set to begin on July 22, and would give Wood a chance to prove his fitness ahead of a potential recall for the final Test against India.
England Take Cautious Approach with Pacers Ahead of Ashes
With a long-term eye on the upcoming Ashes, England are likely to tread carefully when it comes to Wood’s return. The pace department has already been stretched thin due to injuries. Olly Stone has been ruled out for the entire summer with a knee issue, while Gus Atkinson missed the opening Test against India after picking up a hamstring strain during the Zimbabwe series.
There is, however, growing excitement around Jofra Archer’s return. After an extended layoff battling a thumb fracture, Archer could feature in the second Test versus India in Birmingham, beginning July 2. England are hopeful he will be match-ready as he will turn out for Sussex in their County Championship clash against Durham, starting this Sunday.
