Ashes 2025-26: Mark Wood doubtful for Adelaide Test too after missing Pink-Ball Test at Gabba

“I think there’s a chance there for the third Test in Adelaide,” Wood told Channel 7 on Thursday. “More realistically, it’s probably Melbourne and then Sydney after that.”

There is a week between the scheduled end of the second Test and the start of the third in Adelaide, but Wood noted he must first get out of the brace and regain mobility. “I need to get out of this first to get moving around.”

Ahead of the Brisbane Test, the 35-year-old’s status came into question after he skipped England’s first training session on Saturday. He was the only one of the 13 squad members in Queensland not to attend.

Teammate Joe Root later clarified that while he was unaware of the specifics of Wood’s injury, the express pacer was doing everything possible to be available for the second Ashes Test.

“I don’t know the full ins and outs with Woody, but with him, he’ll do everything he can to be as ready as soon as possible,” Root told England Cricket. “He is very professional in that regard. He is desperate to do well for England, he will put everything out on the field, leave no stone unturned, and he wants to bowl as fast as he can, as often as possible.”

When asked about a timeline for Wood’s return, Root added, “That is the case, whether it is days or weeks, we will see. But clearly, if he does miss out, then that provides a brilliant opportunity for someone else. What a great stage to perform on.”

Injury-plagued year

The opening Test in Perth was Wood’s first competitive appearance in close to nine months, following knee surgery in March to address medial ligament damage. It was also his first Test cap since August 2024, against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.

Wood made a comeback for England during the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE but was ruled out midway through the tournament. The Durham pacer left the field during England’s match against Afghanistan in Lahore in March after completing his spell due to injury.

The ECB later announced Wood had been ruled out for four months following surgery for ligament damage to his left knee, which also caused him to miss the home series against India.

This is not the first time Wood’s fitness has been in doubt this series. Ahead of the first Test, he reported tightness in his left hamstring after a warm-up match. He ultimately proved his fitness and bowled with good pace on Day 1, though England lost the match by eight wickets, largely due to a stunning century from Australia’s Travis Head. At that time, Wood had already admitted he would “definitely not play all five Tests.”