England may face a prolonged absence of fast bowler Mark Wood due to injury, despite making a strong comeback in the Ashes series. Joe Root’s exceptional unbeaten century in Australia’s Gabba stadium propelled England to a commanding position on the first day of the second Test match.
Root’s impressive 135 not out, marking his 40th Test century, led England to a total of 325-9, supported by Zak Crawley’s 76 and Jofra Archer’s 32 not out. Although Australia had their moments, the day belonged to Ben Stokes’ team.
However, concerns arose off the field regarding Wood’s knee injury, which initially ruled him out of the second Test match. Wood, who last played in Perth and bowled 11 wicketless overs, hinted that he might miss the upcoming Adelaide Test as well, with uncertainties lingering about his return before Christmas.
Wood, plagued by various injuries in his career, including a recent elbow problem, expressed doubts about his recovery timeline. His absence in Brisbane led to spin-bowling allrounder Will Jacks replacing him in Stokes’ lineup.
Former England captain Michael Atherton noted the significance of Wood’s injury setback, highlighting the team’s reliance on pace to win the Ashes series. Wood’s potential return for the Adelaide Test appears uncertain as he continues his recovery.
In response to Root’s stellar performance, Mitchell Starc shone for Australia, claiming 6-71 from 19 overs with the pink ball in hand. The match showcased a shift in England’s strategy, opting for a spin option in Jacks to enhance their batting depth.
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