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Positive Health Update for English Cricket Ahead of Important Ashes Series

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been given the all-clear from any worries about his left hamstring following medical scans conducted in Perth.

The Durham bowler caused concern for England a health worry on the first day of England's Ashes warm-up match against England Lions when he exited the field suffering tightness in his hamstring.

Previous Health Concerns

This occurred on the identical leg on which Wood underwent surgery after sustaining a knee problem earlier this year.

During his return post-operation, Wood delivered two four-over sessions before leaving the playing area on Thursday.

Health Clearance and Recovery Timeline

• The Durham right-armer had a scan on Friday
• Received medical clearance to continue training
• First Test against Australia in Perth on 21 November

The clearance came of an injury on the same day Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood was declared unavailable of the first Test with a hamstring problem himself.

Training Plans and Team Strategy

Wood will not participate in today's final day of the tour game at Lilac Hill, but England stated he'll "continue to train as scheduled" in the build-up for the opening Test.

This represents significant positive news for Wood, among the quickest pace bowlers to ever play for England, though in a 37-Test career that has been blighted by fitness issues.

Recent Time Out and Return Possibilities

He has not played in Test cricket since August 2024, initially due to an elbow problem, then the knee problem.

Notwithstanding his time out, England were keen for Wood to be in their XI in the opening Test, alongside Jofra Archer, to challenge Australia with pace on an anticipated to be a lively surface in Perth.

Squad Selection and Strategy

• England indicated at their plans for the Ashes opener
• Naming five fast bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
• No front-line spinner in their XI for the tour game

Now England must weigh up including Wood in their team for the first Test, and how it would affect the balance of their attack if he is not risked.

Possible Alternatives

Josh Tongue might be selected as a like-for-like replacement, could opt to could turn to a spin option in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

Should Wood does not play on Perth Test, exists the option to improve match fitness with England Lions.

England Lions Schedule and Other Team News

England Lions meet a CA XI at Lilac Hill at the same time as the first Test, before progressing to a two-day pink-ball game versus PM's XI in Canberra.

Meanwhile, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been ruled out of the remainder of Lions tour with a leg injury.

Ahmed missed out on selection for the Ashes squad when England opted for Jacks as backup spinner.

The 21-year-old will return to England though anticipated to recover to play for Hobart team in BBL starting next month.