The Ashes: Mark Wood bowls in Perth nets to boost England first-Test hopes
Wood, one of the fastest bowlers to play Test cricket for England, has a checkered injury history.
His final spell in the Test side began 15 months ago with an elbow problem. When the Durham player returned to white-ball cricket earlier this year, he suffered a knee injury that required surgery.
While his inclusion would carry an element of risk, England will be keen to include him due to his pace, previous success against Australia and the importance of starting the series well.
If England field five seamers, Wood’s workload could be balanced with the other four. It would probably be harder to play him later in the series when a spinner is needed, meaning there are only three pace bowlers to share the load.
Wood featured as one of five seamers, including all-rounder Stokes, in England’s only warm-up match against the England Lions at Lilac Hill last week.
He scored eight in two spells on the first day with a foursome – a workload England said had been planned in advance – but walked off the field midway through the afternoon session.
He had a scan on Saturday morning and received an all-clear, but played no further part in the tour match.
Australia will be without skipper Pat Cummins and pace bowler Josh Hazlewood for the series opener, with Brendan Doggett set to make his debut.
Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury, has been bowling in the Perth nets as he prepares for a potential comeback in the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey has not ruled out Cummins springing a surprise and playing the first Test, but it is understood the skipper will remain on the sidelines.
“What’s important for Pat is the workload and moving his legs a lot to make sure he doesn’t get any other injuries from bowling,” Carey said.
“He looked like his rhythm was there. It’s great to see and he’s a great leader for everyone in the group.
“He seems to be preparing really well. It would be great to see him playing again soon.”
