Mark Wood Named Fit As England Confirm 12-Member Squad For Ashes Opener

England have confirmed their 12-member squad for the upcoming Ashes opener in Perth. Mark Wood has been named fit after a scan revealed the fast bowler doesn't have any major issues. Wood will be making his first appearance since August 2024. The first match will start on Friday.

Wood bowled a rapid spell during England's first training session at the 60,000-seater Optus Stadium. He had started his rhythm gradually, and despite his left knee heavily strapped, he bowled full tilt to the fellow England batters. Wood will join England's five-pronged pace attack, which also has captain Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse.

Spinner Shoaib Bashir has also been added to the squad as the Perth surface has the knack of drying up, and a spinner could play a major role. Ironically, Nathan Lyon is the highest wicket-taker in this at this venue with 29 scalps. But pitch curator Isaac McDonald hinted there will be pace and bounce on offer for the fast bowlers.

Steve Smith Survived An Injury Scare

Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith suffered an injury scare just two days ahead of the first Test. The Aussie star appeared to have injured his wrist, as per Fox Cricket. But he seemed to have avoided any major injury setback and was then attended by the team physio.

But Smith later returned to batting in the nets and was even seen performing some shadow batting. In the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, Smith will lead the team in Perth.

Also Read: South Africa Add Lungi Ngidi To Strengthen Fast-Bowling Attack For Second IND vs SA Test In Guwahati

England Squad For 1st Ashes Test

Ben Stokes (c)
Jofra Archer
Gus Atkinson
Shoaib Bashir
Harry Brook
Brydon Carse
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Jamie Smith (wk)
Mark Wood.

Also Read: Injured New Zealand Batsman Topples Rohit Sharma To Become Number One-Ranked ODI Batter In Latest ICC Rankings