'It's His Return That Offers...': Michael Atherton Anticipates Mark Wood's Impact in Ashes Resurgence
Mark Wood is returning after an elbow injury
Former England cricketer, Michael Atherton, holds high expectations from, Mark Wood, drawing upon his commendable track record against Australia. The lanky speedster is making a return, having recuperated from an elbow injury.
Michael Atherton backs Mark Wood to come good in third Test
Wood emerged as one of the scant silver linings for England amidst their resounding 4-0 defeat in the previous Ashes series, scalping an impressive 17 wickets across four matches. Particularly memorable was his stunning exhibition of fast bowling in Hobart in the final games of the series, where he bowled a sensational spell of 6-37.
Wood has secured a place in England’s playing XI, effectively displacing the veteran James Anderson. Wood's inclusion significantly bolsters the stockpile of England's pace battery which already feature Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson along with Chris Woakes, who replaces Josh Tongue.
Atherton expressed that Wood will demonstrate notably greater speed compared to other bowlers in the series. Additionally, he highlighted the bowler’s previous accomplishments against prominent Australian batsmen during the winter, stating that Wood's comeback holds the greatest promise.
"Wood will be significantly quicker than anyone else in the series so far and he enjoyed success last winter against some of Australia’s key batsmen. It is his return that offers the most optimism,” wrote Atherton in his column for The Times.
The erstwhile cricketer remarked that Anderson's absence from the team is influenced by the scheduling as well as his inability to make an impact on Australia's lineup in the first two Tests. However, he expressed confidence that the seasoned campaigner will undoubtedly make a comeback at Old Trafford in the fourth Test.
"The absence of James Anderson reflects on the schedule but also the Lancastrian’s inability thus far to make any dents in Australia’s line-up. He will surely return at Old Trafford,” added the cricketer-turned-commentator.
It is pertinent to mention that Anderson's contributions in the ongoing 2023 Ashes series have been relatively modest, as evidenced by his dismal haul of three wickets across four innings. The seasoned bowler has failed to gain momentum as he recently recovered from a niggle he sustained while competing in the County Championship in the lead-up to the Ashes.
 "Jatin")
