‘Definitely not all five’ – England’s Mark Wood doubts playing more than three Ashes Tests

England bowler Mark Wood opened up about his expectations of involvement in the Ashes this summer. He said that he is unlikely to feature in all five Tests against Australia. Wood was the leading wicket-taker during England’s 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes. Notably, he has only played three Tests after that due to injuries.

Speaking to the media ahead of the third ODI against Bangladesh, Wood said that the chances of him playing all matches of the Ashes are very low. He also said that he is exhausted and added that he will play if skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum want him to play.

Wood was involved in England’s T20Is against Pakistan, the T20 World Cup, and the Test tour to Pakistan. He then took a two-month break before the Bangladesh tour. Wood is now featuring in England’s three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. Winning the first two ODIs, England subsequently won the series.

"I will definitely not play all five (Ashes Tests). I was delighted to play four out of five in Australia. I was knackered, wrecked, exhausted [but] that was a big tick in my box to say that in a big series, I can do it, if Stokesy or Baz (McCullum) want me to play,” Wood was quoted by skysports.

"More than likely, with the bowling stock we have, especially at home, I probably won't even play four. They might even want me for one or two, if they need a pace element. He (Stokes) might want to mix it up to keep people fresh, but if people are playing well, I might not play any. I very much doubt, from the way they have managed me, [that I will play] four. If they want three or four, I will put my hand up,” he added.

Meanwhile, after the Bangladesh tour, Wood will play for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which will begin on March 31. The Ashes is scheduled to begin on June 16 at Edgbaston. Following that, he will play in the Hundred in August. 

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