‘Definitely not all Tests’ – Mark Wood confirms limited workload Ashes 2025-26

Mark Wood has made it clear that he will not feature in all five matches of the ongoing Ashes against Australia Down Under. Wood last featured for the Three Lions in a red-ball match in August last year.

He has been dealing with an elbow issue, which has contributed to his prolonged absence. Wood confirmed the development ahead of the Perth Test in an all-field chat with former English captain Michael Vaughan.

“Definitely not all five (Tests). I think it just depends; review it after every game. This one, I have not played a lot of cricket, but I have been there before. So, I hope to be fresh enough to keep the speed gun up and do a little bit of work to compete in a Test match,” stated Wood in a video posted by cricket.com.au.

Wood last featured for England in international cricket in February in the 2025 Champions Trophy played in the UAE. A knee discomfort during a clash against Afghanistan meant he was sidelined from competitive cricket for the next four months. Wood was eventually cleared to feature in the current Test despite hamstring issues which surfaced during the warm-up game against England Lions ahead of the series.

Speaking of the 2025 Ashes opener, England, after opting to bat, were bowled out for 172 in 32.5 overs courtesy of a splendid seven-wicket effort from Mitchell Starc. Wood was the final wicket to fall, departeing for a golden duck. Only four players from the touring side (Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett) were able to register a double-digit score.

This was Starc’s first seven-wicket haul in a Test innings. He ended up with figures of 7/58 in 12.5 overs. Brendan Doggett (2/27 in 7 overs) and Cameron Green (1/10 in 1 over) were the other wicket-takers for the Aussies.