- Mark Wood is ruled out of England’s Ashes tour due to knee injuries.
- Matthew Fisher has been called up as a replacement for the upcoming Tests.
- Australia’s Josh Hazlewood will also miss the remainder of the series due to an Achilles tendon issue.
- Captain Pat Cummins is set to make his comeback in the third Test.
England’s Ashes Struggle: Mark Wood Ruled Out, Matthew Fisher Called Up
In a significant blow for England’s Ashes campaign, fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the series due to persistent knee injuries. The 35-year-old, who only returned to action in the first Test after an eight-month absence following knee surgery, is now forced to sit out the remaining three Tests. Wood’s departure comes as a major setback for the tourists, who are already two games down in the series.
Wood’s Instagram post reflected his disappointment and determination: “Gutted to be out the remainder of the Ashes,” he wrote. “After extensive surgery and months of work and rehab to get back into the Test arena, my knee just hasn’t held up.” The Durham fast bowler, who has taken 119 wickets in 38 Tests since his debut in 2015, added that despite numerous injections and intensive medical treatment, “the flare-up in my knee is worse than feared.”
England’s Response: Matthew Fisher Joins the Squad
In Wood’s absence, Matthew Fisher, a 28-year-old fast bowler from Surrey who won his only Test cap on a tour of the West Indies in 2022, has been called up to the squad. Fisher is considered adept at bowling with the Kookaburra ball used in Australia and gets the nod ahead of Josh Hull. Sonny Baker and Tom Lawes were also ruled out due to injuries.
Commenting on his new opportunity, Fisher said, “I’m really sorry that has left me unable to perform as expected but it is not for want of trying.” His journey back into Test cricket had been a challenging one, with an elbow injury earlier in his career and subsequent knee problems. Fisher’s inclusion will be crucial for England as they seek to turn their fortunes around.
Australia’s Changes: Pat Cummins Returns
Meanwhile, the Australians are also making changes. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who missed the first two Tests with a hamstring problem and has now suffered an Achilles tendon setback, is ruled out of the remainder of the series. However, there’s some good news for Australia as captain Pat Cummins is set to make his comeback in the third Test, which will be announced by coach Andrew McDonald on Wednesday.
With Cummins due back from a back problem and off-spinner Nathan Lyon likely to play after missing the Brisbane day-night Test, Australia could make at least two changes to their team.
The seamers Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett are in contention to be left out of the squad.
The third Test is set to begin on 17 December (23:30 GMT), with the match taking place in Adelaide. England’s struggle continues as they seek to avoid a series whitewash, while Australia looks to maintain their lead and secure victory in this crucial Ashes showdown.
