Follow UsEngland’s hopes of bouncing back in the 2025–26 The Ashes have taken a hit as fast bowler Mark Wood is likely to miss the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane because of soreness in his left knee.
The 35-year-old had returned to Test cricket during the first Test in Perth, bowling 11 overs in his comeback match after nearly a year out, having last played at the Champions Trophy in February. But the knee issue, which had required surgery in the past, resurfaced and ruled him out of the training session ahead of the Gabba Test.
He reportedly remained at the team hotel to rest while his England teammates took part in an optional session at Allan Border Field. With only a few days before the match, England appear unlikely to take a risk.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as the Perth Test was the first time Wood had played red-ball cricket in about 15 months, with his long lay-off caused by the knee surgery and earlier an elbow issue. His absence now means England must rework their pace attack, which will put more pressure on the remaining seamers to step up.
The second Test at the Gabba begins on December 4, and with Wood’s status uncertain, England face a key decision on how to manage their bowling resources and respond to a strong Australian side.