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Encouraging Health Update for English Cricket Team Before Important Ashes Series

English fast bowler Mark Wood was cleared from any concerns over his hamstring injury after medical scans in Perth.

Wood caused concern for England an injury scare during the opening day of their pre-Ashes practice game versus England Lions after he exited the field experiencing discomfort in his hamstring.

Previous Injury History

This occurred on the same left leg where the 35-year-old had surgery after sustaining a knee problem earlier this year.

During his return post-operation, the fast bowler delivered two four-over spells before leaving the playing area on Thursday.

Health Approval and Recovery Schedule

• Durham's fast bowler underwent scanning on Friday
• Received the go-ahead to continue preparations
• Opening Test against Australia at Optus Stadium on 21 November

Wood was cleared from injury concerns coincidentally Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for the opening Test due to hamstring issues of his own.

Training Plans and Team Strategy

The bowler won't take part in today's final day of the tour game at Lilac Hill, however England said he will "keep training as planned" during preparation to the first Test.

This represents significant positive news for the bowler, one of the fastest bowlers to ever play for England, albeit in a 37-Test career which has been affected by fitness issues.

Previous Time Out and Return Prospects

Wood hasn't featured a Test since August 2024, first because of elbow issues, followed by knee problem.

Despite the long absence, the team wanted for Wood to be in their XI in the opening Test, together with Jofra Archer, to hit Australia with pace on an anticipated fast pitch in Perth.

Team Choices and Strategy

• Tourists hinted at their plans for the Ashes opener
• Including five fast bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
• Without specialist spinner in the team for practice match

The English management must weigh up including Wood in their team for Perth Test, and potential impact the balance of their attack if he's unavailable.

Possible Replacements

Josh Tongue might be selected as a like-for-like replacement, could opt to consider a spin option in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

If Wood misses out in the first Test, there is the option to build his fitness with England Lions.

England Lions Fixtures and Additional Team News

England Lions face a Cricket Australia XI at Lilac Hill at the same time as the first Test, before progressing to a two-day day-night match versus PM's XI in Canberra.

In other news, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been excluded of the remainder of Lions tour due to leg problem.

Ahmed missed out in the squad for Ashes tour as England preferred Jacks as their second spinner.

Ahmed will return to the UK though anticipated to recover to represent Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League starting next month.