Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
England’s fast bowler Mark Wood is set to miss the second Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series, according to reports. Wood, who has struggled with a troublesome left knee, reported soreness that has been a concern since his surgery in March. The injury previously forced him to miss England’s home series against Zimbabwe and India. This news comes as a big setback for England as they prepare to face Australia in Brisbane.
Wood’s comeback during the first Ashes Test in Perth was closely watched. It was his first competitive match since the Champions Trophy in February. At 35 years old, he bowled 11 overs, but England were defeated by Australia in just two days — the quickest Ashes Test finish in 104 years. His short stint in the match highlighted both his talent and the team’s reliance on his pace.
Wood missed England’s first training session in Brisbane and has four more days to prove his fitness. However, England are expected to take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating his knee problem. While the rest of the squad trained at Allan Border Field, Wood remained at the team hotel to rest and recover. England’s medical staff are closely monitoring his condition before making the final decision on the playing XI for the second Test.
Before the Perth Test, Wood had not played a Test for 15 months. He initially struggled with an elbow issue and later required surgery on his left knee. During a warm-up match against the England Lions, Wood bowled eight overs before feeling tightness in his left hamstring. Scans confirmed no serious damage, allowing him to play in Perth, where he finished with figures of 0–44.
Wood’s presence in the team was key to England’s plan of using high pace to challenge the Australian batting lineup. Without him, Josh Tongue is expected to replace Wood in the second Test. Tongue has been sent to play for England Lions in a pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, alongside Matthew Potts and Jacob Bethell. Wood’s absence could affect England’s chances at the Gabba, where they have not won a day-night Test since 1986.
England’s record in pink-ball Tests has been inconsistent, with only two wins out of seven matches, including three defeats in Australia. Wood, however, shone during England’s last day-night Test in Hobart in 2022, taking 9 wickets for 152 runs in the match. His experience in pink-ball conditions makes him a key player, and his absence will be a challenge for England as they look to level the series.
The second Ashes Test will be a day-night match starting on November 4 at the Gabba, Brisbane. England’s team management will need to carefully balance fitness and form to field their strongest side. Fans and cricket analysts will closely watch Josh Tongue and other potential replacements to see if they can step up in Wood’s absence.
English
