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Encouraging Health Update for England Cricket Before Crucial Ashes Campaign

England fast bowler Mark Wood was cleared of any concerns over his left hamstring after medical scans conducted in Perth.

Wood caused concern for England a health worry on the first day of England's Ashes warm-up game against England Lions after he left the field experiencing tightness in his leg muscle.

Recent Injury History

It was the same left leg where the 35-year-old had surgery following a knee problem in February.

In his first action post-operation, the fast bowler delivered two four-over spells before leaving the playing area yesterday.

Medical Approval and Comeback Schedule

• Durham's right-armer had a scan on Friday
• Has been given the go-ahead to resume training
• First Test against Australia in Perth next month

Wood was cleared from injury concerns coincidentally Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Test with a hamstring problem himself.

Preparation Schedule and Team Strategy

The bowler won't participate in today's final day of the tour game at Lilac Hill, but England said he'll "keep training as scheduled" in the build-up for the opening Test.

This represents significant positive news for the bowler, among the quickest bowlers in England's history representing England, though in 37 Test matches which has been blighted by injuries.

Recent Absence and Comeback Possibilities

Wood hasn't featured a Test since August 2024, first because of an elbow problem, then the knee injury.

Despite the long absence, the team wanted for Wood to feature in the playing eleven in the opening Test, together with Jofra Archer, to hit Australia using speed on an anticipated fast pitch in Perth.

Team Selection and Strategy

• England indicated their strategy for the Ashes opener
• Naming five pace bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
• No front-line spinner in their XI for practice match

The English management will have to weigh up selecting Wood in their team for the first Test, and how it would affect the composition of their bowling if he is not risked.

Possible Replacements

Josh Tongue could be included as a like-for-like replacement, or England could turn to a spin option with Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

If Wood does not play on Perth Test, there is the possibility to build his fitness in Lions fixtures.

England Lions Fixtures and Additional Squad Updates

England Lions meet a CA XI at Lilac Hill concurrently with opening Test, then move on to a two-day pink-ball game versus Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

In other news, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been excluded from remaining part of the Lions' tour due to leg problem.

The spinner wasn't selected in the squad for Ashes tour when England opted for Jacks as their second spinner.

The 21-year-old is returning to England but is expected to recover to represent Hobart team in the Big Bash League from next month.