Level three

Wisden Cricket Weekly: Mark Wood has expressed that he is "quietly confident" of being fit and ready to feature in the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.

Wood was recognised as England’s leading wicket-taker during their 4-0 defeat in the 2021–22 Ashes series and was named Player of the Match at Headingley in 2023 after dismantling Australia with his pace. However, he has not participated in a competitive fixture since the Champions Trophy in February, having missed the entire English summer following knee surgery.

A comeback had initially been targeted for the fifth Test of England’s series against India, with Wood seen bowling in the nets alongside international teammates during the summer. However, swelling in his knee required fluid to be drained, delaying his return. A similar issue later ruled him out of Durham’s County Championship campaign.