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England selector Luke Wright is hopeful that Mark Wood will appear for the fourth Test Match against India.
Mark Wood has been out for four months on account of injury. (AFP Photo).
England’s star fast bowler Mark Wood is set to make a comeback in the fourth Test of the upcoming series against India. Wood has been sidelined for four months following knee surgery after the Champions Trophy 2025, during which he managed just one wicket in two matches as England exited in the first round.
England selector Luke Wright recently shared an optimistic update on Wood’s recovery, noting that the bowler has started light training. Wright expects Wood to be fit by the fourth or fifth Test and emphasized the day-by-day monitoring of his progress.
“I think Woody’s now started bowling just lightly, to be honest. He’s just off a few paces, but that’s been a great sign. So, he’s on the road to recovery. I think he’s more long-term, if we can get him back, he might have an option for the fourth or fifth Test. But again, each day it’s ticking off each box and making sure he’s OK,” Wright told Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Jofra Archer is also recovering from a thumb injury sustained during the final stages of IPL. Consequently, he was not included in the squad for the first Test against India, starting June 20.
Wright also updated on Archer’s status, mentioning that Archer is playing second-team games for Sussex to aid his recovery and aims to be available for the second Test.
“Joff’s trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him, he’s playing a few second-team games. The plan is for him to play a few second team games, loading up in the second team for Sussex. And then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test. So, he’ll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if all things go well fingers crossed he should be available for the second Test,” Wright added.
Adding to England’s challenges, Gus Atkinson will miss the first Test due to a hamstring strain. This has led the ECB to recall Jamie Overton after three years. Overton will join Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Sam Cook in the seam attack for the first match that opens the series.
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