England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of any hamstring injury after precautionary scans, boosting England's preparations for the first Ashes Test in Perth. Wood reported stiffness in his left hamstring during the warm-up match against the Lions at Lilac Hill, but scans showed no damage, and he will continue training as planned.
The news comes as a major blow for Australia, who have lost Josh Hazlewood for the opener due to a low-grade hamstring tear. A follow-up scan confirmed the injury, which was initially missed. Hazlewood joins captain Pat Cummins (lumbar bone stress) on the sidelines, leaving Mitchell Starc as the only frontline seamer available for selection.
Australia have called up Michael Neser as cover, while Sean Abbott also dropped out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the same Sheffield Shield match. Hazlewood, who turns 35 during the series, has a history of fitness issues, having missed several home Tests with various ailments.
England's Brydon Carse praised Wood's resilience, stating that the positive news has lifted the team. Wood's express pace is seen as key to England's Ashes hopes, and his availability is a relief for the touring side.
