England’s Mark Wood cleared of injury scare ahead of Ashes opener

England can breathe easier after Mark Wood was given the all-clear from a hamstring scare just days before the Ashes opener in Perth. The fast bowler felt stiffness in his left hamstring during the warm-up match against the England Lions at Lilac Hill and left the field midway through his second spell on Friday, ESPNcricinfo reported.

He was sent for precautionary scans, raising fears that another injury setback might threaten his place in the first Test.

The England and Wales Cricket Board later confirmed the results were positive. “Following precautionary scans on Friday, England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring,” the ECB said. Wood will continue training as planned in the lead-up to the Perth Test, though he will not bowl on the final day of the warm-up game.

Careful return after long lay-off

England have been managing the 34-year-old closely as he works his way back from the knee injury he sustained during February’s Champions Trophy. He had hoped to return for the final Test against India in the summer, but a setback in training ruled him out of the entire home season.

Despite the docile pitch at Lilac Hill, Wood still managed to produce lively spells on the first day, showing glimpses of the pace England hope to rely on in the Ashes.

Support cast back in the mix

Brydon Carse has rejoined the game after recovering from illness, strengthening England’s pace options. The squad also has Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Matt Potts, Josh Tongue and captain Ben Stokes available as they build towards next week’s series opener.

England Ashes squad: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.

Australia’s 1^st Test squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.