Mark Wood's Pace Can Play Big Role For Potential England Turnaround

Playing a starring role in England's third Ashes Test victory over old rivals Australia, seamer Mark Wood has shown what impact he can still make at the highest level.

After what has been a frustrating spell out on the sidelines, Wood has battled through various injuries and will be hoping to play an influential role for the remainder of what has so far been a thrilling series.

Wood Looking To Put Injury Woes Behind Him

It has been a tough year for Wood on the injury front, as hip and elbow injuries meant the 33-year-old spent a frustrating spell away from the field. England, who are 4/1 in the cricket odds to win the Ashes this summer, were delighted to have Wood back for the third Test at Headingley. Missing Wood's raw pace during defeats at both Edgbaston and Lord's, Wood gave the Australian batting lineup plenty to think about over their two innings in Leeds.

After the injury problems Wood has had, it will be up to head coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes to try and manage the bowler's workload for the remainder of the summer. Fast bowling takes its toll on the body and approaching his mid-30s, it will be a fine balance for the England management team to get the most out of Wood while also trying to avoid any further injury setbacks.

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Wood Brings Pace To The Table

While the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad were doing much of the heavy work in the opening two Tests in Birmingham and London, Wood was a breath of fresh air at Headingley. Some of the Australian batters were able to settle into big innings in the matches at Edgbaston and Lord's, but Wood was able to bring something different to the table in Leeds. Bowling consistently over 90mph, the Aussies were being battered with both short and full deliveries at a tremendous pace. For a player who was not sure how much Ashes cricket he would play this summer, Wood's pace would seemingly make him indispensable for the remainder of the series.

Wood was named player of the match for his efforts at Headingley, as he claimed seven wickets over the course of the third Test. Hardly an unknown entity for the Australian order, Wood's pace seemed to catch the tourists off guard and they will be hoping to be better prepared for the remainder of the series. Putting plans in place to try and cope with Wood's speed will be one thing but executing will be another entirely. While also being able to provide runs at the tail of England's batting order, Wood can play an influential role over the final two Tests in what has been a thrilling 2023 Ashes series.

England have not tasted Ashes success since back in 2015 but Wood could play an important role in trying to bring the urn back to English soil after a lengthy stay Down Under.