Mark Wood gives major update on third Ashes Test availability

BRISBANE: England pacer Mark Wood has raised doubts over his availability for the third Ashes Test, admitting that at 35, his body is struggling with the demands of bowling at 90mph (145kph).

Wood underwent surgery on his left knee after leaving England's Champions Trophy campaign in February. The series opener in Perth marked his first Test in 15 months. 

Across that match, he bowled 11 wicketless overs but later reported further knee pain and has been wearing a brace since arriving in Brisbane.

Speaking to Channel 7 during the tea break of the second Test at the Gabba, Wood suggested he was unlikely to feature in the Adelaide Test, starting December 17.

"I think there's a chance there, but more realistically, it's probably more Melbourne and then [Sydney] after that… I need to get out of this [brace] first to get moving around," Wood said.

He revealed that he has been receiving painkilling injections since the first Test and acknowledged the impact of age on his body.

"Throughout my career, I've tried to show resilience and keep coming back and keep trying to push it where I can bowl faster and faster, but I'm getting older now. I don't know if my body's coping as well as it used to, but I'll keep trying. That's something I pride myself on—to keep running in for the team and be a good team man. I'm hoping I can get this right and charge in again."

Wood added that he is focusing on short-term recovery rather than immediate match readiness.

"I'm trying to just get through day-to-day at the minute. Later in the series is what I'm aiming for, but I can't do that much at the moment. I've had a couple of injections, resting up, and slowly but surely, running will start soon, then back into bowling. It's more mentally difficult than physically. You've got to try and build it back up and come back again, and that's probably the more difficult thing."

England captain Ben Stokes said on the eve of the Brisbane Test that Wood would do “everything” possible to remain in contention.

"We've got a lot more time to go on this tour, and we'll just see how things play out with that," he said.