Mark Wood: Best is yet to come
Monday 27 July 2015 14:31, UK
England pace bowler Mark Wood has claimed Australia have not seen the best of him yet.
Ahead of the third Investec Ashes Test on Wednesday at Edgbaston, the seamer is confident he can prove his credentials.
Wood took just one wicket in the crushing 405-run defeat in the second Test at Lords.
But the Durham bowler has vowed to show his worth and is hoping to be inspired by England’s dramatic Ashes win at the same ground in 2005.
He said: "You haven't seen the best of me yet. I'm confident I can perform at this level.
"I want to turn in game-changing displays, match-winning performances.
"I remember watching 10 years ago in local cricket club in Ashington because Harmy (Steve Harmison) was playing and he was a big hero for everyone at the club and a friend of mine and we were all watching it in there.
"Then I remember (wicketkeeper Geraint) Jones taking that catch. We were in the lounge - a smaller room compared to the clubhouse - and everyone was going mad, chairs getting kicked over.
"I hope it doesn't get that close in this game, but I would love to put a performance in like that."
Wood made his debut earlier this summer in the drawn Test series against New Zealand.
But he admits he has never felt the pressure more than during this Ashes series.
"The difference is the hype that surrounds the Ashes.
"I have never experienced anything like the crowd in Cardiff. It was phenomenal to listen to and to be in that atmosphere was incredible.
"But then going to bed at night and thinking about the pressures of the next day - that's different as well.
"It's definitely different. The whole intensity, pressure - you feel the nation on you a little bit.
“You're desperate to do well for everyone and an Ashes Test is the biggest game you can have as an England player.”
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