This England Bowler Cleared to Play 1st Ashes Test: Ready to Destroy Australia's Top Order

In what will be a big boost for the England National Cricket Team, fast bowler Mark Wood has been declared fit to play for the Ashes 2025-26. The match between the two teams will be played on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Ahead of the Ashes 2025-26, England are locking horns with the England Lions side to prepare for the high-stakes series. However, on the first day of the game, the Three Lions faced a massive injury scare with Mark Wood facing stiffness in his left hamstring after bowling two four-over spells.

It looked like with him being injury-prone, Mark Wood would miss the first Test against Australia as he left the field in pain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), however, was quick to take action as the pacer was taken for the scans as a precautionary measure.

Mark Wood Ashes Availability Confirmed

Mark Wood is one of the best bowlers in the world and will be key for England in this Ashes series. Thankfully, the scans didn’t show any serious issues and he was deemed fit to take part in the AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test. The ECB released the official statement on his scans and said:

"Following precautionary scans on Friday, England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring," the ECB said in a statement.

Mark Wood won’t take part in the England vs England Lions game anymore. But he will continue to prepare for the AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test. Wood will be a valuable asset for England in the Ashes. His raw pace on the fast Australian tracks makes him an X factor for the Ben Stokes-led side. He played a great role in last Ashes, troubling the Australian batters back home.

Mark Wood injury update would be one of most searched things on the internet in England. The fast bowler is expected to be part of the XI for first test in Perth, which is regarded as one of the fastest pitches in the world.

Australia Suffer Huge blow, Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of the 1st Test

Meanwhile, Australia have suffered yet another blow as fast bowler as Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first match. It is a massive setback given he is one of the best Australian bowlers of all time. He suffered a hamstring injury during the Sheffield Shield game against Victoria last week.

This will be the third injury blow to Australia as skipper Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott have already been ruled out of the first. This will be a massive headache for the hosts to find a third pacer who can accompany Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Steve Smith will lead the hosts in the series opener and would be keen to continue his good record as a captain.