by Mark Wood has spoken of his surprise – and delight – at not being treated with cotton wool during England’s Twenty20 series against India.
The Durham fast bowler featured in the first two games and is part of an unchanged XI for England’s must-win game in Rajkot on Tuesday, with the hosts aiming for a series win. India are 2-0 ahead in the five-match series.
While big challenges lie ahead with the Champions Trophy next month and an Ashes tour at the end of the year, Brendon McCullum has said he doesn’t want to hold back his pace. Jofra Archer, another bowler who had significant problems with his body, led the England attack in this series with Wood.
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“I was surprised but I was pleased,” Wood said of McCullum’s desire to avoid rest and rotation. “I’ve missed so many games for England that when you get the chance you want to play.”
Despite turning 35 this month, Wood remains his side’s fastest bowler and shows no signs of losing pace since his return from an elbow injury sustained against Sri Lanka last summer. He reached a speed of 92mph when he bowled Abhishek Sharma in England’s two-wicket defeat on Saturday, but admits he is still finding his way.
“It’s great that my pace was up there and I feel like it’s coming out of my hand well, but the accuracy wasn’t quite where I wanted it at times,” Wood said. “But if I haven’t played since August that’s pretty normal – I’ve played two games since then. Hopefully the more I play, the better I will be in the 50-over division and the Champions Trophy.”
As one of the older figures in the England squad, questions about Wood’s future are to be expected, something he admits. “When you look at what’s coming, you think: Could this be the end or could this be the last time I play here?” he said. “You just don’t know and I think the older you get the more it creeps in.
“Now you start to think: There’s all this young talent coming through, am I still at the level I need to play for England? I believe in myself and as long as the inner circle around you – McCullum, the captain, your team-mates – believe in you too, that gives you confidence.”
The series so far has highlighted one central theme: England’s desire for a quick attack against India’s stack of spin options. But while McCullum has urged Wood to do so – “he doesn’t care about the runs, just bowl fast and take wickets” – a little more nuance may be required on Tuesday night.
“The other night in Chennai it kept slipping so the slower ball didn’t feel like it was the right option,” Wood said. “Maybe I can bring it up more as the series goes on. It’s the risk-reward element, the fear of bowling and not having it go right after you’ve bowled a good over.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah was named the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, edging out the nominated English 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.
