'Mark Wood's on the road to recovery' - England selector Luke Wright hopeful about star pacer's participation against India

England's chief selector Luke Wright said that Mark Wood has started bowling once again in the nets, but he will need some more time before he can bowl at full tilt. The former England all-rounder opined that the chances of  Wood returning to action before the fourth Test against India look bleak.

Wood was ruled out for four months after undergoing knee surgery following the Champions Trophy 2025. The veteran seamer picked just one wicket in two matches as England got knocked out in the first round itself. He is working hard behind the scenes, and his fitness is also being monitored closely by England's medical team.

"I think Woody's now started bowling just lightly, to be honest. He's just off a few paces, but that's been a great sign. So, he's on the road to recovery. I think he's more long-term, if we can get him back, he might have an option for the fourth or fifth Test. But again, each day it's ticking off each box and making sure he's OK,” Wright said on Sky Sports.

Wood has played 37 Tests and accounted for 119 wickets at an average of 30.42. The 35-year-old has played four Tests against India, picking up nine wickets at an average of 50.33. However, only one of those matches was in England, and he picked up five wickets in that encounter, which was played at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London in 2021.

On Thursday, June 5, England announced a 14-man squad for the first Test against India, which will be played at Headingley, Leeds, from June 17 to 21. The Three Lions have picked five pacers - Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, and Brydon Carse - in the side for the opening clash.

Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer were not considered as they have been sidelined due to injuries. However, Wright mentioned that the latter could be available to play the second Test in Birmingham.