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England set for major blow ahead of second Ashes Test
SEN • November 30th, 2025 11:42 am
The English are set to endure a major blow ahead of a crucial second Ashes Test, with pace bowler Mark Wood expected to miss due to ongoing knee concerns.
Part of England's pace attack, Wood's appearance in Perth was his first competitive match in near nine months, returning from knee surgery due to medial ligament damage.
While it was reported prior to the Ashes that Wood was not expected to feature in all five Tests across the series, reports are now suggesting that the 35-year-old will be sidelined for the Gabba Test, as the English look to preserve their paceman for the remainder of the series.
Within the opening Test in Perth, Wood bowled 11 overs across the two innings, returning 0-44 as England collapsed within just two days.
It is expected that right-arm pace bowler Josh Tongue will step in to replace Wood, who - as stated by commentator and former English captain Nasser Hussain - would be the best candidate for the pink-ball Test.
"England may go horses for courses, may need someone to pitch the ball up a little bit more as the pink ball does swing around. I think Tongue for Wood would be a good way to go," Hussain told Sky Sports,
"They go to Adelaide next, which has historically been a bit slower, lower and flatter, so they may want the extra pace of Wood then.
"(Tongue) is quick enough, bowls the short ball well. He angles away towards the off-side and the ball looks like it is coming in then nips away and gets batters caught in the slips.
"He creates good angles, is a genuine wicket taker and would add to any side."
The pink-ball Test kicks off this Thursday, with the first ball set for 2pm local time.
