I'm Still Trying To Chase That Dream - Mark Wood Hopeful To Make A Comeback In Test Cricket

England pacer, Mark Wood has talked about his ambitions of playing more Test matches for England. Wood and teammate Jonny Bairstow were omitted from Test contracts by the England Cricket Board(ECB) in September.

Wood has played three Tests for England in 2020 the last being against West Indies in July. He wasn’t picked for any Test against Pakistan in the following series. The pacer made his Test debut in 2015 but has played just 16 red-ball international matches as he had a constant struggle with injuries.

Hopefully, I can take the chance when it comes: Mark Wood

The 30-year-old recently opened up about his future in Test cricket. He said that he loves playing for England; however, he will contemplate on playing all three formats or not considering his family and financial stability.

Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of the 1million #Funds4Runs investment from ECB and LV= General Insurance, Wood said that it was his dream growing up to play for England in white clothing and he is hoping for few more games to prove his worth across formats.

Mark Wood said, “I still love playing for England. (Not playing Tests) is something in the future I might have to look at; my body, a young family, time away from home – financially, what can I do to help them and spend more time at home?”

“But at the minute, growing up I always wanted to play for England across all formats and I’m still trying to chase that dream of playing for England and hopefully I can get a few games this year and prove my worth in all three (formats),” he added.

In 2020, Mark Wood has played 3 Tests and picked 14 wickets at an average of 19. Before the pandemic struck, the right-arm pacer played an important role in England’s series victory in South Africa. He took 12 Protea wickets in 2 matches, including a five-wicket haul in Johannesburg.

England, who are surplus of pace bowling options dropped Wood for the Pakistan series. The likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, and Sam Curran have kept Wood on the bench.

However, the World Cup winner is positive about getting chances in the future in Test cricket. He said he doesn’t need to put pressure on himself about getting give wickets or worry about his place in the team- it is about sticking to the processes and not overthink the result.

“Hopefully, I can take the chance when it comes. Previously I have maybe put too much pressure on myself when getting in the team on that one off, get five wickets and keep myself in the team.

“This time I’m a bit older, bit wiser and I’ll stick to my processes and not put too much pressure on myself to get in the team,” Wood said.

The extra pace had been Wood’s selling point. With England scheduled to travel Australia for The Ashes next year, Wood might be given more opportunities to complement Jofra Archer. The pacer is set to travel to South Africa for a T20I and ODI series commencing on 27th November.

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