Mark Wood relishing England opportunity to bowl in India T20I series - 'Surprised but pleased'
Published 27/01/2025 at 23:20 GMT
After several weeks out of action through injury, Mark Wood has featured in both of England's T20I matches against India so far. He has been selected again for the must-win third match, and he has spoken of his delight at having returned to the fold. Wood will hope to inspire England to a needed victory in Rajkot on Tuesday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Wood rocket does for Sharma as England strike early
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Mark Wood has admitted he was "surprised but pleased" to play in games one and two of England's five-match T20I series with India.
The fast bowler has been selected again for the third match in Rajkot - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - despite having missed a chunk of last season with an elbow injury.
England will need Wood at his rapid best if they are to fight back from a 2-0 deficit in India. The 35-year-old continues to be his side's fastest bowler, even if years of wear and tear are beginning to take a toll.
"I was surprised but I was pleased," Wood said of his inclusion in the team at a pre-match press conference. "I’ve missed so many games for England that when you have a chance you want to play.
"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.
"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."
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Highlights: India take 2-0 T20 series lead with epic win over England in Chennai
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On his future in international cricket, Wood added: "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? 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 – [coach, Brendon] McCullum, the captain, your team-mates – believe in you as well then that gives you confidence."
Wood has opted for raw pace over measured precision with the ball so far, but acknowledged that a change of tactics could be a consideration in Rajkot.
"The other night in Chennai it was skidding on, so the slower ball didn’t feel the right option," he said.
"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."
The third of England's T20I clashes with India takes place on Tuesday, with live coverage from 13:00 UK time on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watch the Women's Ashes and the India v England T20 series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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