England’s Fast Bowler Achieves 97mph Speeds in First Game Back from Injury

Mark Wood was candid about his feelings following his first England appearance since March, where he reached a blistering 97mph speed. The fast bowler, who had been sidelined for the entire English summer due to an elbow injury sustained in a Test match in Antigua, admitted he was “tired” after his return.

The 32-year-old made an explosive comeback in England’s 63-run victory over Pakistan in Friday’s Twenty20 match, taking three wickets for 25 runs from four overs. Wood’s pace, which surpassed the 97mph mark twice, left the Pakistani batsmen struggling, with Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf all falling victim to his fiery spell.

Reflecting on his performance post-match, Wood shared with Sky Sports, “I feel tired. It’s my first game since March and although I’ve played a match for my club Ashington, it’s been a long wait.” He added, “After seven months off, you’re fresh, but that intensity in international cricket is a different beast.”

England is likely to manage Wood’s workload carefully, knowing that his unique pace gives them an edge no other player can replicate. Wood is aware of the need to conserve energy and avoid overexerting himself ahead of the World Cup in Australia next month. “The key now is consistency,” Wood stated. “I need to sustain those speeds. It’s all about peaking at the right time.”

While the team’s batters laid the perfect foundation by posting an impressive 221 for three, with debutant Will Jacks contributing 40 runs, Harry Brook adding a blistering 81*, and Ben Duckett finishing 70*, the focus now shifts to ensuring Wood is ready for the challenges ahead.

“I’ve done plenty of gym work and running, but nothing compares to playing a match,” Wood explained. “The adrenaline was flowing, but the real challenge will be repeating this level of performance.”