After IPL stint, Mark Wood eager to prove a point in test cricket

The IPL is a long tournament and it is not possible for all players to feature in all matches. Some players get injured midway while others leave the tournament due to national commitments. The loss of players can impact the franchises in a big way especially when that player is making significant contributions to the team.

The England players have been recalled from the IPL as their preparations have begun for matches against Pakistan. The likes of Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Mark Wood have left for England to join the national setup. Mark Wood played for the Chennai Super Kings in his debut season in the IPL but failed to become a regular member in the playing XI. He made the choice to return home early as he was eager to make a mark in Test cricket.

Needs to be in good shape

Wood considers red-ball cricket to be the pinnacle and despite battling with injuries, he wants to do well in the longer format. The fast bowler has been named in Ed Smith’s first squad as the national selector for next week’s Pakistan Test at Lord’s. He has been injury free for quite some time now and will be hoping for an extended run in the test scenario.

“Any game I play for England I love it. When I was in the back garden as a kid it was never T20 or 50 overs it was Test matches. In my mind, all the best players were at Test level and that’s what I wanted to strive to. These days, the 50- and 20-over stuff is a huge part of the game so I’m delighted to be part of such a good team – we have an awesome one-day side – but the pinnacle for me is still trying to get into that Test and I think I have a real point to prove.” Mark Wood was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.com. He is currently playing for Derby in the County Championship and looks in good form as he picked up his first six-for very recently.

Wood’s extra pace and skiddy angles have seen him long identified as the man to bring a cutting edge to the seam attack. He needs to bring down his bowling average and take wickets to maintain his place in the English lineup.

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