Mark Wood could miss second Ashes Test due to knee injury

England pace bowler Mark Wood is likely to miss the second Ashes Test in Brisbane due to an ongoing knee issue.

The Durham cricketer remained at the team hotel to rest his left knee while his teammates attended an optional training session at Allan Border Field.

England have four more days of practice at the Gabba, including two night sessions, before the day/night Test match begins. However, it is understood that the 35-year-old is not expected to feature.

Recurring injury concerns

Wood underwent surgery on the same knee in March, which ruled him out for the entire domestic season. He also dealt with a hamstring scare during a warm-up match against England Lions before the series began, limiting his involvement.

Although deemed fit for the first Test in Perth, Wood bowled only 11 wicketless overs, despite achieving speeds over 93mph. After striking all-rounder Cameron Green on the helmet with a bouncer during the first innings, his pace decreased during Australia's chase.

Speaking ahead of the Ashes series on Fox Sports, Wood had admitted he was unlikely to play all five matches. “I'll definitely not play five, I know that. I think it just depends. I think just review it after every game,” he said.

Selection options for England

With Wood unlikely to play, England’s two spare seamers, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, appear to be competing for his spot.

Both players are currently part of a Lions tour match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, providing them with valuable match practice. They are expected to join the Test squad on Monday.

Tongue, England’s leading wicket-taker in the series against India over the summer, seems the likeliest candidate for selection should England retain a pace-heavy attack. Spinner Shoaib Bashir and all-rounder Will Jacks are also options if the team decides on a different balance.

Preparations continue despite rain

England held their first training session in Queensland yesterday, focusing on practising with the pink Kookaburra used in day/night Tests.

Despite rain cutting the session short, players were able to train briefly with the ball, albeit under daylight conditions.

The second Ashes Test is set to begin in Brisbane in four days as England looks to bounce back from their two-day defeat against Australia in Perth.

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