Mark Wood delights in being let off leash for England in India T20i series
Mark Wood has spoken of his surprise – and joy – in not receiving the cotton-wool treatment during England’s Twenty20 series against India.
The Durham fast bowler featured in the opening two matches and is part of an unchanged XI for England’s must-win game at Rajkot on Tuesday, with the hosts aiming to seal a series victory. India are 2-0 ahead in the five-match series.
While significant challenges await with next month’s Champions Trophy and an Ashes tour at the end of the year, Brendon McCullum has said he does not wish to hold back his quicks. Jofra Archer, another bowler who has had significant troubles with his body, has fronted England’s attack with Wood in this series.
Related:
West Indies skittle Pakistan for first away Test win against rivals since 1990
“I was surprised but I was pleased,” said Wood regarding McCullum’s desire to avert rest and rotation. “I’ve missed so many games for England that when you have a chance you want to play.”
Despite turning 35 this month, Wood remains his side’s fastest bowler, with no indication that he has lost any pace since returning from an elbow injury sustained last summer against Sri Lanka. He clocked 92mph when dismissing Abhishek Sharma in
on Saturday but admits he is still finding his way.“It’s great that my pace has been up there and I feel it’s coming out my hand well but the accuracy at times hasn’t been quite where I wanted it,” said Wood. “But when I haven’t played since August, it’s pretty much expected – I’ve played two games since then. Hopefully the more I play, the better I get leading into the 50-over stuff and the Champions Trophy.”
As one of the elder figures in England’s squad, questions regarding Wood’s future are to be expected, something he acknowledges. “When you look at what’s coming up you think, could that be the end or could this be the last time I play here?” he said. “You just don’t know and I think as you get older that creeps in more.
“Now you start to think, there’s all these young guns coming through, am I still at the standard required to play for England? I have belief in myself and as long as the close circle around you – McCullum, the captain, your teammates – believe in you as well then that gives you confidence.”
The series so far has produced a central theme: England’s desire for a high-pace attack against India’s stack of spin options. However, while McCullum has urged Wood – “he’s not bothered about the runs, just bowl fast and take wickets” – a bit more nuance may be required on Tuesday evening.
“The other night in Chennai it was skidding on, so the slower ball didn’t feel the right option,” said Wood. “Maybe I can bring it on more as the series goes on. It’s that element of risk and reward, the fear of bowling it and it not going right when you have bowled a good over.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been named the ICC men’s Test cricketer of the year, edging out the nominated England pair of Harry Brook and Joe Root. The 31-year-old took 71 Test wickets in 2024 at an average of 14.92 and was the leading bowler in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that concluded this month.