‘We are going with whatever preparation we are getting’ – Mark Wood concerned with England’s lack of practice before T20 WC

Mark Wood. (Photo Source: Twitter/ECB)

Defending champions England will lock horns with neighbours Scotland in their opening game of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday, June 4, in Bridgetown, Barbados. Ace pacer Mark Wood expressed his concerns with England’s inadequate practice ahead of the marquee event.

The star players of England were busy playing in the Indian Premier League over the last couple of months. They were called back right before the playoffs to prepare for the four-match T20I series between England and Pakistan. This was going to be the only dress rehearsal the Three Lions were set to get as they didn’t have any warm-up matches scheduled ahead of the World Cup.

Unfortunately, rain ruined two out of the four T20Is in the series as the games were washed out without a ball being bowled. The hosts won the other two matches to take the series 2-0. Before the fourth T20I, Wood explained the benefits of playing warm-up matches but refused to give excuses heading into the World Cup.

“Yes, we have got experience, but warm-up games always give you a sense of different things you can tinker with. Who is in good form? Who needs to work on other things? Some lads have been playing at the IPL and they are match ready,” Wood was quoted as saying by Sky Sports Cricket.

“Other lads haven’t, and the lads that haven’t, is there a freshness? You want the games to practise stuff, but it is a fine balance. One or two of us might feel like we need a game or two to get going, but there will be no excuses. It is coming around thick and fast. Whatever preparation we get, that is what we are going to have to go with,” added Wood.

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I don’t see why me and Jofra Archer can’t play together: Mark Wood

Jofra Archer returned to international cricket after 14 months as he played in the second T20I in Birmingham. Both Wood and Archer bring a lot of pace to the table and the former believes that there is no reason why they can’t play together during the upcoming showpiece event.

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“I honestly have no idea. That’s a question for the management. But I have played with Jofra before, and I don’t see it’s like me or him. I don’t see why we can’t play together. We played together at the 2019 World Cup and things went pretty well. I don’t see why we can’t play in the same team, but maybe it is up to the management to manage our bodies and see how we get through the tournament,” the 34-year-old stated.