Cricket

Ashes 2023: It is his return that offers the most optimism – Michael Atherton on Mark Wood’s inclusion in 3rd Test

Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes Mark Wood’s return to the team’s final XI for the third Ashes Test against Australia offers the most optimism. Wood had missed the first two Test matches against the visitors as he wasn’t 100% fit.

The home team had announced their playing XI on Wednesday and Wood finally found his name on the team’s sheet. England are trailing by 2-0 in the series and they will be looking to turn the tables. The hosts have decided to drop veteran fast bowler James Anderson, who could only take three wickets in the first two Test matches at an average of 75.33.

Meanwhile, Wood can breathe down the neck of the Australian batters with his extra pace. The right-arm gun pacer has scalped 90 wickets in 28 Test matches at an average of 30.9. Wood is well known to consistently bowl around 150 kmph and he can definitely ruffle a few feathers.

Atherton wrote in his column for The Times: “Wood will be significantly quicker than anyone else in the series so far and he enjoyed success last winter against some of Australia’s key batsmen. It is his return that offers the most optimism.”

Atherton feels James Anderson will definitely return to England’s playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test against the visitors.

Atherton added: “The absence of James Anderson reflects on the schedule but also the Lancastrian’s inability thus far to make any dents in Australia’s line-up. He will surely return at Old Trafford.”

Meanwhile, former England skipper added Jonny Bairstow will have a point to prove after his controversial dismissal in the second innings of the Lord’s Test match.

“The cold handshake between Bairstow and the Australia players at the conclusion of the Lord’s game was telling and he is often the type to respond strongly when he feels that he has a point to prove or that the focus is on him.”

Atherton reckons Bairstow can make more impact while batting at number five rather than number six.

“The reshuffle means a return to No 5 for Bairstow, which is where he batted so brilliantly last summer and where he will once again have a chance to shape events more obviously than from No 7.”

The third Ashes Test is scheduled to commence from Thursday, July 6, onwards at Headingley, Leeds.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Irfan Pathan opens up on India’s playing 11 changes for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels the Indian fast bowlers would be tired ahead of… Read More

July 31, 2025

Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach reveals Gautam Gambhir’s inspiring chat with wicket-keeper ahead of 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

With Dhruv Jurel all set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match… Read More

July 31, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to bat at no.5 in 5th Test against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Ravindra Jadeja can bat at number five in the… Read More

July 30, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Shubman Gill’s century in ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on captain Shubman Gill for continuing… Read More

July 30, 2025

Shubman Gill rates Manchester hundred as most pleasing ahead of 5th Test against England

Former Indian captain Shubman Gill has rated the Old Trafford century as the most pleasing… Read More

July 29, 2025

Brad Haddin backs England to win final Test match against India in Anderson-Tendulkar series

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Brad Haddin has backed England to win the fifth and final… Read More

July 29, 2025