England fast bowler Mark Wood experienced stiffness in his left hamstring during their only Ashes warm-up match at Lilac Hill in Perth, raising concerns ahead of the series. Wood, bowling for the first time in nine months since knee surgery, had completed two four-over spells before leaving the field midway through the second session.
The ECB confirmed Wood will undergo a precautionary scan and is expected to bowl again in two days. “The plan for Mark Wood was for him to bowl eight overs today,” the board said, adding it is unlikely he will return to the field that day.
Wood showed glimpses of his pace on a relatively tame surface, while England captain Ben Stokes starred with four wickets before tea in his first competitive match since July.
The news follows injury updates from the Australian camp, with Josh Hazlewood cleared of a hamstring problem, but Sean Abbott confirmed with a moderate left hamstring strain. England will hope Wood avoids any setback as they finalize preparations for the first Test at Optus Stadium.
