ENG vs IND 2025: Mark Wood hopes to make comeback in fifth Test

Veteran England pacer Mark Wood expressed his desire to return to Test cricket and hopes to feature in the fifth and final match of the ongoing series against India. The 35-year-old speedster is currently recovering from a knee injury and believes he could win the race against time to be fit for the fifth Test, which will be played at the Kennington Oval in London, scheduled to begin on July 31.

Wood sustained medial ligament damage to his left knee during the 2025 Champions Trophy clash against Afghanistan and had to limp off the field mid-match. He underwent knee surgery in March and was subsequently advised a four-month rehabilitation, effectively sidelining him for the five-match series. However, Wood has been working hard behind the scenes to facilitate his comeback, and asserted that he has resumed light bowling with an eye on playing the Oval Test.

“Rehab is going well. I’ve just started bowling very lightly, so I’m officially on the comeback trail now,” Wood said while speaking to BBC Test Match Special.

“I’m hoping to still play a part in this series so I get to have a look at some of the players here who I might come up against. I’m still targeting probably the last Test. Anything before that is maybe a bit too soon. The last Test – I might not get there – but at the minute, that’s still my focus,” he added.

It’s been a bit slow to start with: Wood

Wood is expected to play in the County Championship match for Durham against Somerset, starting July 22. The Ashington-born admitted that his recovery has taken time, but he noted that things have started to pick up steam of late, with the goal being a return to international cricket against Shubman Gill’s men.

“It’s been a bit slow to start with. I haven’t been able to do a lot, but it’s starting to speed up now. I’m getting some bowling in-hopefully not too much longer. I am still hoping that I can play a part right at the end of the series, but I’ll just wait and see,” he said.