Mark Wood said after taking 5-43… Ball movement was important

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Leeds. England pacer Mark Wood, playing a Test match after more than six months, tore apart the Australian batting line-up on the opening day of the third Test of the Ashes 2023 series at Headingley.

Wood, playing his first Test since December 2022 when he turned out for England against Pakistan in Karachi, took 5-43 in one of the fastest and most hostile spells seen at Headingley as Australia were bundled out for 263. Covered on the run.

However, what was more heartening for the 33-year-old fast bowler was that his parents were watching from the stands as he achieved success.

Wood told Skysports after the end of the day’s play on Thursday, “It was amazing, it was a great feeling to get a five for the first time in front of his mum and dad, so it was a lovely moment to see him in the stands.” ,

Wood, who was not picked in the playing XI for the first two matches, said he was keen to give his best effort as it is a must-win match for England, who are on the back of defeats at Edgbaston and Lord’s in the five-match series. The latter is behind 0-2.

Although Wood bowled very quickly, with some of his deliveries reaching speeds of 96 mph, he said the movement he got from the pitch at Headingley was key to his success.

Wood said, “Stokessey knows me well, was very clear before the game that it would be short quick spells, give it all for three or four overs.”

The pacer, who made his debut against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2015, has so far taken 95 wickets in 53 innings of 29 Tests, with best figures of 6-37 in an innings.

Wood said that he likes to bowl in away matches as he can bring reverse swing into the match.

“My record is better away from home than at home, the wickets it revolves around, you’re picking Anderson, Broad, Woakes… I’m trying to get better at it with a faltering seam,” he said. , it doesn’t happen overnight but reverse swing happens overseas.”(IANS)

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