Mark Wood targets England recall for ICC Champions Trophy
Thursday 31 October 2019 14:55, UK
Mark Wood is targeting an England comeback in the ICC Champions Trophy after encouragement from Andrew Strauss.
Squads for the June tournament must be submitted by May 1, leaving Wood little time to prove his fitness after three ankle operations, the last of which ruled him out of touring India in the winter.
But the Durham fast bowler, part of England's Ashes-winning squad in 2015, got through 15 overs across two appearances in the inaugural North v South series in the United Arab Emirates.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "From a personal point of view I'm really pleased with how the trip has gone.
"I came on the trip hoping I might get one game. I've ended up with two and not so much pain in there so I'm really pleased.
"I'm just building up into the season where hopefully I can bowl more and get myself back into the international scene.
"I've got to start the season with Durham in the County Championship - that will mean more overs so I can test my body and see where it's at. Then coming into Champions Trophy time that's when I'll hopefully be targeting for England."
England and Wales Cricket Board director Strauss has been in Dubai assessing the England potential of a group of players comprising internationals who have fallen out of favour and young players earmarked for future roles.
He said of Wood: "I think he has got a chance, absolutely. No one wants to push him too hard [but] we hope he'll be fit enough to be put forward for selection.
"I'm really pleased to see him on the park again. He's had a pretty arduous journey ... and it was incredibly disappointing for him to have to go under the knife again. To see him with a smile on his face, racing in ... that's really encouraging."
Wood added: "It's been a hugely frustrating time and I'm hoping - for the third time saying it - this is the last time and I can really start cracking on for Durham and England."
The Champions Trophy runs from June 1-18, and you can watch it live on Sky Sports.
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