Australia will not want Woody to play last two games: Ben Duckett

Ben Duckett and Mark Wood (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Ashes 2023 is heading towards an exciting end as England made a terrific comeback in the series by winning the third Test by three wickets to bring the scoreline to 1-2. The two teams will lock horns in the fourth Test on Wednesday, July 19, at the Emirates Old Trafford, in Manchester. England made a significant change to their bowling attack as they rested veteran James Anderson to bring in speedster Mark Wood.

The move paid dividends as the 33-year-old picked up seven wickets and scored 40 crucial runs to win the game for his side. Ahead of the next Test, England opener Ben Duckett has said that Australia will not want Mark Wood to play the remaining matches of the series and also lauded him for his batting exploits.

“I also know for a fact Australia will not want Woody to play these last two games. It’s so weird; how does he bowl so fast? He’s not a big bloke, it’s just arm-speed, I guess. He’s so skiddy and always at you, so I’m very happy he’s on my team. And it’s not just with the ball, the way he took them on with the bat was gamechanging,” Duckett was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

Notably, Wood was awarded Player of the Match in the third game for his all-round show. However, ahead of the next Test, England will face another selection dilemma as seamer Ollie Robinson got injured during the third Test and didn’t bowl a single over in the second innings.

England mulling over making another change due to injury concerns

If Robinson fails to regain his fitness, the management will have to choose between youngster Josh Tongue and the legendary, James Anderson, who also has an end named after him at Old Trafford. England need to win the remaining two matches to regain the Ashes or else Australia will retain it in case the series gets tied, as they’re current holders of the urn.

On the other hand, Australia haven’t won an Ashes series in England since 2001 and will be eager to seal a historic series win at the iconic venue.