SOUTHAMPTON, UK: Mark Wood was delighted to give England a taste of what they had been missing for nearly a year after topping the 92mph mark on his return to international duty.
Durham fast bowler Wood was back in England action during Wednesday’s 44-run rain-marred win in the first one-day international against Pakistan at Southampton.
Persistent ankle problems meant this was the 26-year-old Wood’s first England appearance since a Test against Pakistan in Dubai in October last year.
His figures of one for 57 in 10 overs were good, if not outstanding, but of potentially greater long-term significance was the sight of Wood beating Pakistan batsmen with sheer pace.
Significantly, his lone wicket on Wednesday came courtesy of a top-edged pull by Sharjeel Khan through to England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.
Ability
Wood, if he can stay fit, has the ability to provide England with an out-and-out express fast bowler that they have lacked in his absence.
But while others get excited by the speed Wood generates, for the bowler himself it’s just all part of the job.