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Encouraging Health Update for English Cricket Team Ahead of Crucial Ashes Series

English fast bowler Mark Wood was cleared from any worries over his hamstring injury after a scan in Perth.

Wood gave England an injury scare on the first day of their Ashes warm-up game versus England Lions when he left the field experiencing discomfort in his leg muscle.

Previous Injury History

This occurred on the same left leg where the 35-year-old had surgery after sustaining a knee injury in February.

In his first action since the surgery, Wood delivered two four-over spells before leaving the playing area on Thursday.

Health Approval and Comeback Timeline

• The Durham fast bowler underwent scanning on Friday
• Has been given medical clearance to continue training
• First Test against Australia at Optus Stadium next month

Wood was cleared of an injury on the same day Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood was declared unavailable for the opening Test due to hamstring issues of his own.

Preparation Plans and Squad Approach

Wood will not take part in today's concluding day of the tour game in Perth, however England said he'll "keep training as scheduled" in the build-up to the first Test.

It is a huge boost for Wood, among the quickest pace bowlers to ever play for England, though in 37 Test matches which has been affected by injuries.

Previous Time Out and Return Possibilities

He has not played a Test since August 2024, initially due to elbow issues, then the knee problem.

Despite the long absence, England were keen the fast bowler to be in their XI for the first Test, together with Jofra Archer, to challenge Australia using speed on what is expected fast pitch in Perth.

Squad Selection and Strategy

• England indicated their strategy for the first Test
• Naming five pace bowlers, including Wood and Archer
• Without specialist spinner in their XI for practice match

Now England will have to weigh up selecting Wood in the lineup for the first Test, and how it would affect the composition of their attack if he is not risked.

Potential Alternatives

Josh Tongue might be selected as a like-for-like replacement, could opt to consider spin bowling in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

Should Wood does not play in the first Test, there is the option to build his fitness in Lions fixtures.

Lions Schedule and Additional Squad News

England Lions face a CA XI in Perth concurrently as the first Test, then move on to a two-day day-night match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

Meanwhile, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been ruled out from remaining part of Lions tour due to leg problem.

Ahmed missed out in the squad for the Ashes squad when England opted for Jacks as backup spinner.

The 21-year-old is returning to the UK though anticipated to recover to represent Hobart Hurricanes in BBL from next month.