England’s hopes for the crucial second Ashes Test have been dealt a severe blow with news that fast bowler Mark Wood is likely to miss the day-night match in Brisbane. The 35-year-old, who only just returned from a nine-month absence due to left knee surgery in the first Test, missed England’s first training session in Queensland. His absence raises significant concerns over the robustness of England’s pace attack for the pink-ball fixture.
Wood’s potential replacement, Josh Tongue, is one of several players currently with the England Lions squad in Canberra. The injury is a familiar story for Wood, one of England’s fastest-ever bowlers, who has a long history of fitness problems. Before the Perth Test, his first in 15 months, he suffered a hamstring scare in a warm-up match, casting further doubt on his ability to withstand the demands of a full Test.
The loss of Wood is particularly damaging for England’s plans at the Gabba, a ground where they haven’t won since 1986. His express pace is seen as a key weapon under lights, where the pink ball is notoriously difficult for batters to pick up. Australia, in contrast, boasts a formidable record in day-night Tests and possesses Mitchell Starc, the world’s premier pink-ball bowler.
