Mark Wood, Cameron Green ruled out of the Ashes opener? Huge update arrives

The England National Cricket Team is all set to receive a major boost ahead of the Ashes 2025–26 against the Australia National Cricket Team, with the first Test kicking off in Perth on Friday (November 21).

Ahead of the first Ashes Test, England fast bowler Mark Wood stormed back into action, bowling at full speed in the nets during Tuesday’s practice at Perth Stadium.

This was Wood’s first strong outing since he pulled out of a practice match due to a hamstring issue, which has raised fears because it came in his comeback game after knee surgery in March earlier this year.

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Mark Wood’s stunning return fires up England camp ahead of Ashes opener in Perth

But medical scans cleared Mark Wood, and his latest session proved that he is back to hitting a serious pace. The 35-year-old paceman’s teammates admitted that the speed was sharp enough to make them uncomfortable, and his return suddenly gives England a massive boost.

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Jamie Smith was quoted as saying by AP, “He was quick enough; I can tell you that from facing him. He's bowling at a very good pace, and it's obviously great preparation for what we've got in store here.”

Now, the touring side has both Mark Wood and Jofra Archer—two of the fastest bowlers in the world—and if both get picked in the playing XI, they will be lethal for the Australian batting line-up in Perth, where fast bowlers have dominated for decades.

Even England’s other fast bowling option, Josh Tongue, sounded confident that their bowling attack is capable of taking 20 wickets in Australia if they get the combination right. Tongue stated, “I feel our bowling group has a good chance of getting 20 wickets in the game.”

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out, but Cameron Green returns to full speed

Meanwhile, the Australian cricket team is dealing with the loss of two of their biggest weapons. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have both been ruled out of the Ashes series opener due to injuries.

However, Cameron Green’s return gives the hosts big hope. For the first time since March 2024, Green is fully ready to bowl in Test cricket again.

After missing nearly a year due to back surgery, the Australian all-rounder slowly rebuilt his workload and recently bowled 16 overs in a domestic match for Western Australia.

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Cameron Green ready to roar as an all-rounder in Ashes

He has now declared himself completely free of restrictions and eager to contribute with the ball as well as the bat. Green admitted he would have liked a few more overs under pressure, but he also said that entering a long Test series feeling fresh could be a big advantage.

Green stated, “It's been a really slow build-up. Probably would prefer a few more competitive overs, but at the same time, it's a double-edged sword; you get to come into a series so fresh. When you get into test cricket, there's no need for restrictions. I'd be happy to put my hand up whenever.”

Notably, the Ashes 2025-26 is set to kick off with the Perth Test from November 21 to 25, followed by the day-night match at the Gabba starting December 4. The five-match Test series will then move to Adelaide, Melbourne, and finally Sydney for the remaining three tests.