Mark Wood has spoken of his surprise – and joy – in not receiving cotton‑wool treatment during England’s Twenty20 series against India.
The Durham fast bowler featured in the opening two matches and is part of an unchanged XI for England’s must-win game in Rajkot on Tuesday, with the hosts aiming to secure a series victory. India are 2-0 ahead with three T20s to play.
While significant challenges await with the Champions Trophy next month and an Ashes tour at the end of the year, Brendon McCullum has said he does not wish to hold back his quicks. Jofra Archer, another bowler who has had significant troubles with his body, has fronted England’s attack with Wood in this series.
“I was surprised but I was pleased,” Wood said regarding the head coach’s desire to avert rest and rotation. “I’ve missed so many games for England that when you have a chance you want to play.”
Despite turning 35 this month, Wood remains his side’s fastest bowler, with no indication that he has lost any pace since returning from an elbow injury sustained last summer against Sri Lanka. He clocked 92mph when dismissing Abhishek Sharma in England’s two‑wicket defeat on Saturday but he admitted he is still finding his way.
“It’s great that my pace has been up there and I feel it’s coming out my hand well but the accuracy at times hasn’t been quite where I wanted it,” Wood said. “But when I haven’t played since August, it’s pretty much expected – I’ve played two games since then. Hopefully the more I play, the better I get leading into the 50-over stuff and the Champions Trophy.”
As one of the elder figures in the England squad, questions regarding Wood’s future are to be expected, something he acknowledges. “When you look at what’s coming up you think, could that be the end or could this be the last time I play here? You just don’t know and I think as you get older that creeps in more.
“Now you start to think, there’s all these young guns coming through, am I still at the standard required to play for England? I have belief in myself and as long as the close circle around you – McCullum, the captain, your teammates – believe in you as well then that gives you confidence.”
The series so far has produced a central theme: England’s desire for a high-pace attack against India’s stack of spin options. However, while McCullum has backed Wood – “he’s not bothered about the runs, just bowl fast and take wickets” – a bit more nuance may be required on Tuesday evening.
“The other night in Chennai it was skidding on, so the slower ball didn’t feel the right option,” Wood said. “Maybe I can bring it on more as the series goes on. It’s that element of risk and reward, the fear of bowling it and it not going right when you have bowled a good over.”
Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, has been named the International Cricket Council’s men’s Test player of the year, edging out the nominated England pair of Harry Brook and Joe Root. The 31-year-old Bumrah took 71 Test wickets in 2024 at an average of 14.92 and was the leading bowler in the Border‑Gavaskar Trophy series that concluded this month.