Fast bowler Mark Wood is targeting a return to bowling later this summer as he recovers from the knee injury that derailed his Ashes campaign.
Wood underwent surgery on his left knee in March 2025 and managed to play just one Test against Australia in November, bowling only 11 overs in Perth before being ruled out for the remainder of the series.
The 36-year-old, one of the fastest bowlers in England's history, has been plagued by injuries throughout his 38-Test career. "I need to take it slow," Wood told the BBC's Strategic Timeout programme. "Realistically I've got maybe one more chance at doing this right. If I rush it back, then it's not good, that could be it. I'm still trying to get back to bowling, hopefully later on in the summer."
Last month, Wood admitted he has considered life after playing if his latest rehabilitation fails. However, the Durham paceman, who is centrally contracted until autumn, remains focused on adding to his 146 international caps across all formats.
"You've got to keep your eye on the prize, which is ultimately for me trying to get to playing for England," he said. "It's mega frustrating. It's been a long time, over a year since I had the initial surgery. To build it back up for seven months to play one game, and then be out again takes its toll."
Wood's absence coincides with a period of transition in England's pace attack. If he is unable to continue in Test cricket, he would join James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Chris Woakes in leaving the longest format—four mainstays who collectively took 1,619 Test wickets.
England's home summer begins against New Zealand on 4 June. Brydon Carse may miss out with a broken wrist, while Jofra Archer might not be ready after his IPL stint. Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson are likely to feature, with competition from Matthew Potts, Matthew Fisher, and others for the remaining spots.