‘India Have Potential To Make Any…’ Wood Wary Of Toughening IND vs ENG Playing Conditions
Mark Wood during first IND vs ENG Test at Hyderabad (x.com)
Mark Wood collectively bowled just 25 overs across both innings of England’s first Test match against hosts India at Hyderabad in late-January. Filling in for warhorse James Anderson, the speedster was reduced to a mere spectator at one stage.
Even though Ben Stokes and co. will head into the second Test at Vizag with a 1-0 lead in the bank, Wood is wary of tougher playing conditions on offer for the remainder of their five-match series.
Mark Wood says India can make any wicket
Mark Wood, after going wicketless in the first Test at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, believes India can churn out any wicket for the remaining fixtures of their five-match series.
The speedster cited his own experience of bowling in Indian conditions during the 2023 World Cup last year as well as from during his IPL commitment for the Lucknow Super Giants franchise. After England’s emphatic 28-run win over the Indian team, Wood said:
“India have got the potential to produce any wicket here. I've played in World Cup and IPL where it seamed, flat pitches, spinning wickets. They have the potential to do any wicket they want.”
Mark Wood was selected in England’s starting XI for the first Test as their only speedster, thus making way for two additional spinners in the line-up. In response, spin debutant Tom Hartley scythed through India’s strong batting contingent on Day 4 with astonishing figures of 7-62.
England, leading 1-0 in the five-match series, will now face hosts India in the second Test from February 2 onwards. Their much-awaited stalemate will be staged at the iconic Dr. Y. S. Rajashekar Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
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