A major blow looms for England as star quick Mark Wood is highly unlikely to participate in the second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane, primarily due to ongoing issues with his left knee. According to reports, Wood skipped England’s first training session in Brisbane, opting instead for rest at the team hotel. The rest of the squad engaged in an optional practice at Allan Border Field. Although England still has several training days left at the Gabba before the day-night Test, including crucial sessions under the lights, Wood’s participation is in serious doubt. This latest fitness concern for the express paceman is particularly worrying, given his history of knee problems. Wood had surgery on his left knee in March and also experienced a hamstring strain during a warm-up match prior to the series. He was deemed fit for the first Test in Perth, but bowled only a limited number of overs while wearing significant strapping on his knee. While Wood’s pace remained potent, reaching speeds of 93mph in the first innings and troubling Australia’s batters, his effectiveness seemed to wane later in the match. The absence of Wood would necessitate a change in England’s bowling attack, with Josh Tongue emerging as the most probable replacement. Tongue, along with fellow quick Matthew Potts, is currently in Canberra playing for the England Lions against a Prime Minister’s XI. Potts secured two wickets on Saturday, while Tongue went wicketless. The Lions finished the day on 30 without loss in response to the Prime Minister’s XI’s 308 for eight declaration.
