England's fast bowling arsenal has received a massive boost with the news that Mark Wood is fully fit and available for selection in the first Ashes Test, which begins on Friday at the Perth Stadium.
The Durham paceman, who last played a Test in August 2024, came through a demanding net session unscathed, bowling at full throttle before later padding up to bat, signalling his readiness for the high-stakes series opener.
Seamers Lick Their Lips at Perth Conditions
England's bowlers were visibly encouraged after their first training session at the Perth Stadium. The conditions presented a welcome contrast to the softer pitches encountered during their warm-up at Lilac Hill in Guildford.
Fellow quick Josh Tongue captured the mood, stating, "Like any fast bowler I like a bit of pace and bounce in any wicket... I think as bowlers, you definitely lick your lips." This sentiment was echoed by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who faced Wood's ferocious spell firsthand.
"He was absolutely rapid today, I can tell you that first-hand," Smith revealed. "He's near enough full tilt, so it's good signs for us."
Fitness Concerns Allayed
Any lingering doubts about Wood's condition have been firmly put to rest. While his left leg remained heavily strapped following March surgery, the tightness in his hamstring that surfaced last week has now disappeared.
It is understood that a scan Wood underwent was largely precautionary, intended to ease the player's own mind, with the team's medical staff never considered it a major issue.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green suggested that Wood's lack of recent first-class cricket—having not played a red-ball game since August—might not be a disadvantage. "I think you come into a series so fresh, and I think especially in a five-Test series you want to be as fresh as you can at the back end," Green commented.
Wicketkeeper's Delight and a Lord's Flashback
For Jamie Smith, the prospect of keeping wicket on a lively Perth pitch is an exciting challenge. "I'm quite excited, hearing about a lot of pace and bounce," he said, contrasting it with the slower English surfaces he is accustomed to.
When the topic of the controversial Alex Carey stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023 arose, Smith was unequivocal. He stated he would "absolutely not" attempt a similar long-distance dismissal, citing practical reasons over ethical ones. "Out here I'd be too far back to hit the stumps," he admitted.
Carey himself declined to revisit the incident, preferring to focus on the upcoming series. He did, however, offer strong praise for his teammate Brendan Doggett, who is in line for a Test debut due to Josh Hazlewood's injury.
"He's a fantastic teammate... he comes into this squad with great form," Carey said of Doggett. "If he does get his chance, I think this wicket will suit him."
With Wood's express pace confirmed and the Perth conditions seemingly tailor-made for fast bowling, England's attack appears primed to challenge an Australian batting line-up on their home turf, setting the stage for a compelling start to the Ashes.
