England's Mark Wood wants to add something to Chennai in 'crazy' IPL
"It's exciting, I don't know what I'm going into. It could be a little manic and crazy - but I guess that will fit in with me quite nicely."
Saturday 7 April 2018 14:59, UK
Mark Wood told Sky Sports he is ready for his first experience of the "manic" IPL - and looking to tap into the knowledge of his Chennai Super Kings team-mate Dwayne Bravo.
England seamer Wood was picked up by the Super Kings in January's auction for £167,000 and could make his debut alongside fellow England international Sam Billings in Saturday's Sky Live clash with reigning champions Mumbai Indians (3pm, Sky Sports Cricket).
The 28-year-old says he feels in good rhythm having bowled a total of 43 overs in England's recent drawn Test against New Zealand in Christchurch - and wants to add a new dimension to two-time winners Chennai, who are back in the IPL following a two-year ban for illegal betting.
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"It's going to be a different experience," Wood told Sky Sports' Rob Key. "Playing for England or Durham you are pretty much set whereas this is a new team and a new environment.
"The word is exciting, I don't know what I'm going into. It could be a little manic and crazy - but I guess that will fit in with me quite nicely.
"Hopefully I can bring something different to the team and try and get some wins under our belt. I'm really looking forward to the challenge.
"[Windies all-rounder] Bravo has one of the best slower balls in world cricket - if I can tap into that it might help my game."
Wood will be hoping to take one of the four overseas spots in the Chennai XI but competition is fierce with Billings, Bravo, South Africa trio Faf du Plessis, Lungi Ngidi and Imran Tahir former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson also on the Super Kings' books.
"[Being an overseas player] certainly brings responsibilities, maybe I will have to show off my skills a little bit more," added Wood.
"If you are a good bloke in the dressing room that's the main thing, so I will be trying to add something there."
The thrills and spills of the IPL return on Saturday, with defending champions Mumbai up against the returning Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener, live from 3pm on Sky Sports Cricket. FULL LIVE ON SKY LISTINGS
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