Ashes 2023: It’s a big ask, but one I’ve done before – Mark Wood hopeful of remaining fit for last two Test matches

England gun fast bowler Mark Wood is hopeful of remaining fit for the final two Ashes Test matches against Australia. Wood proved to be the difference maker in the third Ashes Test at Leeds, Headingley, which the hosts won by three wickets in a thrilling contest.

The right-arm pacer returned with impressive figures of 5-34 in the first innings and played a key role in skittling out Australia for 263. Wood also played a quickfire knock of 24 runs off just eight balls to give crucial momentum to his team in the first dig.

The 34-year-old then scalped two more wickets in the second essay and added the finishing touches with a cameo of 8-ball 16 to help the home team chase down 251 runs. Ergo, he was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

Meanwhile, Wood could not play in the first two Test matches as he wasn’t fully fit and he is now hopeful to recharge his batteries to be available for the fourth Test. Wood has got more than a week to recover and thus has time under his belt.

Mark Wood said as quoted by Wisden, “I did four in Australia, three of them were in a row. It’s a big ask, but one I’ve done before, and I will lean on that experience to try to do it again. I will let the body recover, get myself in a good space, let the wounds recover, and get myself up for the next one.”

Wood revealed that England skipper Ben Stokes asked him to bowl as fast as he could in the third Test match.

“Stokes just asked me, ‘Are you ready to bowl some thunderbolts?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ and that was it. I know him well and he knows me well. Having that relationship with someone makes it easier. He was ready to unleash me.”

Furthermore, Wood added a crucial alliance of unbeaten 24 runs with Chris Woakes to get the home team over the line in the run chase of 251 runs.

Asked about his batting contributions, he said, “One of the best feelings I’ve had. I’ve been in that position a lot where I’ve lost the game, that’s the first time I’ve been able to bat to win the game.”

The fourth Ashes Test will be played at Old Trafford from 19th July onwards. Want to start betting on cricket? Check out this cricket betting tips first!