Mark Wood declared fit as England mull all-out pace attack for Ashes opener

By SABC Sport
19th November 2025

England have selected a 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth, starting on Friday, and are still keeping the option open for an all-out pace attack.

Mark Wood was included in the 12-man squad despite being under an injury following hamstring stiffness in the recent warm-up fixture.

The fast bowler bowled flat out for 40 minutes at the Perth nets during Tuesday's training session before taking part in light fielding drills on the outfield.

The 35-year old Wood was also the standout paceman on the 2021-22 Ashes tour, taking 17 wickets at 26.64.

Shoaib Bashir is the lone spinner in the group but the tourists will until before naming their XI for the first of five Test matches.

It is worth noting that Australia spinner Nathan Lyon averages 20.86 at the venue in Perth, with 29 dismissals in five Test matches.

England squad for first Ashes Test: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood