Mark Wood Targets Durham Return Ahead Of Ashes, Eyes Full Fitness By November

After undergoing knee surgery earlier this year, England's fast bowler Mark Wood is on the comeback path with plans to return to competitive cricket for his county team, Durham, next month. Wood aims to prove his fitness well in time for the prestigious Ashes series starting in November at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Wood's Recovery Journey

Wood’s left knee injury, which involved medial ligament damage sustained during the ICC Champions Trophy, required surgery in March 2025. Though the initial prognosis estimated a four-month recovery period, setbacks during training extended his time off the field. He missed England’s Test series against India and was ruled out of the white-ball series against South Africa and Ireland. Still, Wood has remained positive and focused on his rehabilitation, working alongside the ECB medical team.

Durham Comeback Crucial For Ashes Preparation

Durham sits ninth in Division One of the County Championship, fighting relegation. Wood’s presence boosts their chances, but his workload will be carefully managed. He is expected to miss Durham’s match against Essex on September 8 but is targeting involvement from the Worcestershire game on September 15. Participation in the final game of the season against Yorkshire on September 24 will depend on how his knee reacts to the previous outing.

This stint in county cricket will be Wood’s first red-ball cricket since his Test match last August, offering essential match fitness and confidence before returning to international cricket.

Ashes 2025-26 Schedule

England’s Ashes tour begins on November 21, 2025, in Perth and runs through mid-January 2026, at several iconic venues in Australia.

England’s Pace Bowling Department

Wood’s quick return is welcomed amid injury concerns to several pace bowlers. Jofra Archer recently returned to Test cricket after a long absence. Olly Stone and Josh Tongue struggled with knee injuries. Chris Woakes is doubtful for the Ashes due to a dislocated left shoulder, which happened during the last test against India at the Oval, London.

Wood’s raw pace and ability to generate bounce will be vital in Australia’s bouncy conditions. He was England’s best bowler in the 2021-22 Ashes, taking 17 wickets, and also performed strongly during the 2023 home summer series against Australia.

Wood’s Efforts

Frustrated by months of net bowling without game time, Wood asked England head coach Brendon McCullum for competitive matches, signalling his hunger to return stronger. He will attend a bowling camp in Loughborough and then head early to Australia to acclimate with fellow bowlers.

If he manages to sustain fitness through his Durham matches, Wood will be a key figure in England’s attack heading into a fiercely competitive Ashes series.