Mark Wood shows no Test rust, stresses on movement off the surface and reverse swing

Mark Wood Bowling. (Photo Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

England got off to a terrific start in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes series at Headingley. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh (118) smashed a crucial century while the rest of the Aussie batters struggled in front of the England’s bowling attack. England relied heavily on speedster Mark Wood, who took five wickets in the first innings. In addition, England were 68/3 at Stumps, trailing by 195 runs.

Reflecting on his excellent bowling spell, Wood expressed his satisfaction, saying that he was able to demonstrate his ability to bowl in home conditions. He noted that he had not played a Test match in a long time, so being able to make a terrific comeback was something special for him.

“I was really happy that I could show in home conditions that I can bowl as well. I’m delighted. Obviously, I haven’t played a Test match in a while, but to be able to come back fairly fresh and produce that was pretty special,” Wood told Sky Sports.

Usman Khawaja, the Australian opener, was one of Wood’s extremely important wickets. While discussing the wickets he had picked, the 33-year-old stated that if he bowled quickly, it would be difficult as the top players on the opposing team are used to facing high speeds during practice. He went on to say that the movement was one thing that helped in the first inning.

“Movement, that’s what’s deadly, I think. If you just bowl fast, these top players are just used to that. They face dog-stick guys [throwing the ball] off 17 yards, so they’re used to facing quick bowling. So the thing that helped today was the movement, really,” he added.

I like bowling away from home: Wood

Wood also mentioned that he enjoys bowling away from home since it allows him to reverse the ball. He further stated that the quick bouncers on flat tracks fit him, pointing out that they sometimes skid through, and it’s difficult to play with the pitch.

“I like bowling away from home because it brings in the reverse swing. And the bouncer attack on flat pitches, I feel really that suits me because they sometimes skid through and it’s hard to play especially with the field.”