England Face Ashes Setback as Mark Wood Sent for Hamstring Scan
England’s Ashes preparations suffered an early blow after fast bowler Mark Wood was sent to hospital for a hamstring scan, raising concerns over his fitness just a week before the first Test in Perth.
Wood complained of hamstring stiffness after completing his second four-over spell against the England Lions during the warm-up match at Lilac Hill on Thursday. Initially expected to bowl eight overs in total, the 33-year-old left the field after lunch and did not return, prompting fears of a possible injury setback.
Team sources initially suggested Wood’s absence was due to dehydration, but when he failed to reappear after tea, England confirmed he would undergo a precautionary scan on Friday morning to determine the extent of the issue.
This was Wood’s first competitive outing since February, when he featured in England’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Lahore. He underwent knee surgery the following month for a medial ligament injury in his left leg — the same leg now troubling him.
Although Wood has been gradually building up his bowling workload over the past month during training in New Zealand, this latest concern has sparked debate over whether he should be risked for the opening Ashes Test, even if scans show no serious damage.
England’s management are understood to be prioritising a cautious approach, mindful of Wood’s injury history and the demanding Ashes schedule ahead.
There was a small positive parallel for England’s camp — Australia’s Josh Hazlewood also underwent a hamstring scan earlier this week after reporting tightness but was later cleared to play. England will be hoping for a similar outcome for Wood.
Meanwhile, Brydon Carse missed the start of the warm-up fixture due to illness, with Josh Tongue drafted into the England XI. Carse, however, remains part of the Lions squad and could feature with the ball later in the match.
England will await medical results on Friday before deciding whether Wood can continue his Ashes preparations — or if their express paceman will face yet another untimely setback.
