Mark Wood favourite to replace James Anderson in fourth Ashes Test
Thursday 6 August 2015 10:39, UK
Durham fast bowler Mark Wood is in pole position to replace James Anderson in the England team for Thursday's fourth Investec Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge.
Anderson has been ruled out with a side injury, and Wood – who sat out the third Test victory at Edgbaston with an ankle problem – is battling with Liam Plunkett and Derbyshire left-arm quick Mark Footitt to replace him at Nottingham.
Wood played in the first two Ashes Tests and looks set to play at Trent Bridge.
England captain Alastair Cook said: "It looks really good for Woody. He seems to have come through training pretty well. I think it's fair to say (he is first choice). I thought he bowled really well at Cardiff and didn't quite get it right at Lord's, but he's looked fit and ready.
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"Everything he's been asked to do he's come through with flying colours. He's really excited for the opportunity he's got.
"He'll have a last check in the morning but, yes, we've got everyone to select from."
Some pundits have suggested that the loss of Anderson, with 413 Test wickets behind him, is comparable to the ankle trouble suffered by Glenn McGrath in 2005 when England won the Ashes by winning both Tests the Australian paceman missed.
"I can't talk about Glenn McGrath as I never captained or played with him," said Cook.
"He is obviously the best seamer who played the game. He was a big miss for them and Jimmy is a big miss for us - he gives you attacking options and control.
"But I said at the end of Edgbaston there was no point moaning about that. Injuries to fast bowlers happen. He has had a fantastic run and it is a great opportunity for whoever is picked to take on that mantle.”
