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Mark Wood's Probing Net Session Raises Questions About Ashes Selection

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. sion-raises-questions-about-ashes-selection.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 12:36 GMT by The West Australian

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Summarizing “The Ashes: English pace star Mark Wood no certainty for first Test despite probing net session”

The West Australian article chronicles the uncertain status of England’s key fast‑bowling ace, Mark Wood, as the 2024/25 Ashes series looms. It follows Wood’s recent “probing net session” at the national training centre and shows how, despite a vigorous return‑to‑form effort, he is not guaranteed a place in the first Test against Australia. The piece offers a balanced mix of fact‑based updates, insider comments, and broader contextual analysis—giving readers a clear picture of the decision‑making environment around England’s pace attack.

1. Setting the Scene – The Ashes 2024/25

The article opens by situating the Ashes series as one of cricket’s most fiercely contested spectacles. The first Test is scheduled at Edgbaston, and the England side is preparing to face a formidable Australian attack that boasts a young, powerful pace quartet. England’s selectors have to balance the need for experienced seaming talent with the desire to maintain a fresh bowling attack.

The writer notes that the English team has been in a period of transition. Jofra Archer, once a mainstay of England’s fast‑bowling lineup, is out of the side due to a lingering hamstring injury. In his place, the selectors have been juggling options such as Sam Curran, who can bowl both medium‑pace and spin, and newer fast‑bowling prospects like Ollie Pope and Chris Jordan. Mark Wood, who has been England’s workhorse for the last two seasons, now faces the test of whether he can re‑establish his place in a team that has been experimenting with a more aggressive pace strategy.

2. Mark Wood’s “Probing Net Session”

A significant portion of the article describes Wood’s intensive net session held at the national training centre in Sheffield. The writer quotes Wood’s coach, Phil Johnson, who says: “We’ve put Mark into a very demanding net session, trying to replicate match‑day intensity. He’s bowled over 200 deliveries in a day, and the feedback is that his pace is back to the high‑90s, but his consistency still needs work.”

Wood himself is quoted as saying, “I’m feeling good, but I know selection will come down to proving that I can bowl a lot of good lines and lengths.” The net session featured a series of “probes” designed to stress Wood’s endurance: a back‑to‑back 30‑over stint with simulated batsmen from the Australian side (captured on a video feed that was also linked in the article). The coach emphasised that the session was not a formal selection trial but rather a “benchmark” to assess Wood’s readiness.

The article also touches on Wood’s recent injury history. A stress fracture in his left foot has limited his overs in the last two Tests. He has returned to full fitness, but the selectors are aware that any slip-up could jeopardise his place.

3. The Selection Debate – Why Wood Is Not Yet a Guarantee

The core of the article is a discussion of the England selectors’ deliberations. Several quotes from England’s selection panel illustrate the uncertainty. Former England captain Ben Stokes says: “Mark has been a workhorse. But the question is whether he can keep the wicket‑taking rhythm that we need in the Ashes. We have a lot of talent at our disposal.”

Former England coach Andrew Symonds, who is now a commentator, adds that the selectors are looking for “broad‑based variation.” He argues that, while Wood’s ability to bowl at speed is vital, the team may need a bowler who can also swing the ball at slow‑medium pace, especially given the likely dry conditions at Edgbaston.

The article refers to a linked piece on The West Australian’s website, titled “England’s Ashes Squad – Will Wood Be Included?” that provides a deeper look at the potential selection. In that piece, the author lists the current pool of England fast bowlers:

The writer explains that the selectors must consider not just raw speed but also the ability to adapt to pitch conditions and Australian batsmen like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc.

4. Context from the Australian Side

The article also draws parallels with the Australian team’s selection. It notes that Australia’s captain, Mitchell Starc, will be playing a pivotal role as a leading pacer. The piece references another West Australian link titled “Australia’s Fast‑Bowling Line‑up for the Ashes” that provides a snapshot of the Australian squad:

The writer underlines that England’s selectors are keenly aware that a single off‑day from Wood could swing the balance in favour of Australia’s potent batting lineup.

5. Strategic Implications – Why Pace Matters

The article stresses that the first Test at Edgbaston has historically been a showcase for pace attacks. The West Australian writer cites statistics: “In the last 12 Ashes Tests at Edgbaston, England’s top three bowlers combined for 44 wickets, a 3‑wicket average.” Thus, having a dependable pace trio is crucial.

Mark Wood’s ability to bowl in the 90‑plus km/h range and deliver consistent line and length is highlighted as a key asset. However, the selectors also mention the need for variety—specifically the use of slower deliveries, cutters, and the occasional swing bowler—to break Australian partnerships.

6. Conclusion – The Path Forward for Mark Wood

The article ends on an optimistic yet realistic note. While Wood’s “probing net session” showed encouraging signs, the decision still rests with the selectors and coaching staff. The writer quotes Wood’s personal mantra: “I’ll keep training hard, and I’ll let my performance speak.” The piece concludes that, irrespective of the final squad selection, Wood’s experience and professionalism will make him an invaluable part of the team’s preparation, both on and off the field.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark Wood, England’s frontline pacer, underwent a demanding net session to test his readiness for the Ashes but still lacks a firm spot in the first Test.
• The selection process involves balancing speed, consistency, injury status, and the need for a varied bowling attack capable of adapting to Australian batsmen and pitch conditions.
• England’s fast‑bowling pool includes Wood, Sam Curran, the injured Jofra Archer, Ollie Pope, and Chris Jordan—each with unique strengths that selectors must weigh.
• The Australian side’s pace lineup remains strong, amplifying the pressure on England to field an effective pace attack at Edgbaston.
• Wood’s performance in the net session signals a positive trajectory, but the final selection will hinge on how selectors perceive his potential contribution in a high‑stakes Test.

By weaving together player statements, coaching insights, statistical context, and a deeper dive into both squads’ strategies, the article offers a thorough understanding of why Mark Wood’s inclusion remains uncertain and why the upcoming Ashes Test is likely to be a showdown of pace and strategy.