England Pacer Wood Faces Hamstring Scare Ahead of Ashes

With the Ashes series just over a week away, England's preparations have been dealt a blow as fast bowler Mark Wood faces a fitness concern. According to a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Wood experienced some stiffness in his hamstring during England's warm-up match against the Lions on November 11, 2025.

As a precautionary measure, Wood will undergo a scan on his hamstring the following day. The ECB has stated that he is expected to return to bowling in two days' time, but it remains uncertain whether he will be able to feature in the remainder of the warm-up match.

England's concerns are not limited to Wood's injury, as Australia's star bowler Josh Hazlewood has also faced a similar issue. Hazlewood felt tightness in his right hamstring during a Sheffield Shield match, but scans have cleared him of any major strain, and he is expected to train as planned ahead of the first Ashes Test.

The Ashes series, which begins on November 23, 2025, is shaping up to be a closely contested affair, with both teams now facing fitness concerns among their key fast bowlers. England captain Ben Stokes was the standout performer in the warm-up match, taking 6/52 from 16 overs, while Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue also claimed wickets.

As the countdown to the Ashes continues, the fitness of players like Wood and Hazlewood will be closely monitored by both teams, as they aim to field their strongest squads for the highly anticipated series.