The Ashes 2025-26: Massive blow to England as Mark Wood suffers injury scare ahead of the Perth test

Mark Wood got injured during England’s intra-squad warm-up match ahead of The Ashes 2025-26.

Ahead of their intense Ashes 2025–26 in Australia, England’s speedster Mark Wood has given the team a scare. After experiencing hamstring pain on the first day of the warm-up play against the England Lions in Perth, Wood is scheduled to have a precautionary scan.

The first test of the Ashes 2025–26 Australia and England is scheduled to begin in Perth on November 21. The last game of the five-match test series will take place in Sydney in January. After a 2-2 draw in England in 2023, Australia are the reigning champions and will be defending the urn at home this time.

Optus Stadium in Perth will host an Ashes test for the first time ever. The WACA Ground hosted every prior Ashes game in Perth. Instead, the second test, a day-night match with a pink ball, will take place at the Gabba from December 4 to 8.

The third test will take place at Adelaide Oval from December 17 to 21. The Boxing Day test will take place at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The last test is scheduled for January 4–8 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Has some stiffness in his hamstring”- ECB on Mark Wood’s injury scare

Due to stiffness in his right leg, the fast bowler left the field halfway through the afternoon session after bowling just eight overs. Although Wood’s fitness is still being closely monitored ahead of the historic Ashes series, the management of the England team indicated that the decision was preventative.

On Friday, November 13, the medical staff will evaluate him to rule out any significant injuries. Wood’s speed and experience make him their main weapon, especially on the quick and bouncy Australian surfaces, so England will be hoping it is just a small problem.

“The plan for Mark Wood was for him to bowl eight overs today. He has some stiffness in his hamstring, which has kept him off the field for some time during the second session of the first day and will undergo a precautionary scan tomorrow. He is expected to bowl again in two days’ time. It is unlikely he will return to the field today,” ECB statement read as per ESPNCricinfo.

In contrast to what is anticipated in the opening test at the Optus Stadium, Wood had bowled a few aggressive deliveries on a comparatively calm surface.

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