Friday 1 September 2017 13:55, UK
Durham captain Paul Collingwood believes seamer Mark Wood is more than ready for England in the upcoming limited-overs internationals against Pakistan.
Wood, a key member of England's Ashes-winning side last summer, has not played international cricket since returning home from the tour of the United Arab Emirates last October with an ankle injury.
But the 26-year-old was in outstanding form at Edgbaston on Saturday for NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day, even if he could not prevent Northants securing a four-wicket win over Durham in the final.
Wood bowled at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour and found plenty of movement, both through the air and off the pitch, on a day when other pacemen struggled to cause the batsmen problems.
His figures of 4-25 were crucial in securing a seven-run semi-final win over Yorkshire, with Wood roughing up England batsman Joe Root before bowling international team-mate Jonny Bairstow with a perfect yorker and dismissing Gary Ballance, Liam Plunkett and Tim Bresnan.
Wood also struck with his first ball in the final, having Adam Rossington caught at slip with a rapid, rising delivery, although he was powerless as Josh Cobb's 80 and 43 from Alex Wakely denied Durham.
"He gave us a chance to get there and actually lift that trophy," said Collingwood.
"He's ideal for this form of the game because he knows he's only got four overs to bowl and he's going to try and bowl every single one at full tilt, so he's not worrying about second spells and third spells.
"He's a genuine wicket-taker. In t20 cricket guys give themselves a base and try and hit the ball, and it certainly gives you something else to think about when you can get hit in the head at great pace and that's why he takes his wickets.
"You've seen him getting good-quality England international batsmen out today with pure pace; he's a great man to have in a t20 side.
"We chat about plans and we executed what we wanted to do against Joe, and then that yorker to Bairstow was an exceptional bit of bowling."
While Wood is likely to feature in the first of five ODIs against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday, Collingwood believes there is work to be done if he is to return to the Test arena this winter.
"In white-ball he's ready because he doesn't have to come back for second or third spells," he added.
"He bowled 20-odd overs against Middlesex last week in a four-day game and I'd say his body is still getting used to spells like that, but he's going to cause a lot of problems with the white ball that's for sure."
Winning captain Wakely admitted he and Cobb had been cautious in facing Wood and targeted the other bowlers as their fourth-wicket stand of 120 swung the contest.
"He's quick," said Wakely. "He bowled some quick balls out there - he's going to get back in that England team before long.
"We said 'it doesn't matter if (his over) goes for two or three', just get through it and we can capitalise on other bowlers."
