Mark Wood Uncertain for Adelaide Test as Knee Troubles Persist

England fast bowler Mark Wood has raised serious doubts about his availability for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, admitting that ongoing knee problems and the toll of bowling at high pace are becoming increasingly difficult to manage at age 35.

Wood underwent surgery on his left knee after limping out of England's Champions Trophy campaign in February. The Ashes opener in Perth marked his first Test appearance in 15 months, but his return was short-lived. He delivered just 11 wicketless overs before experiencing renewed discomfort and was referred to a specialist. Since arriving in Brisbane, he has been wearing a knee brace.

Wood: Adelaide Return ‘Unrealistic’

During Channel 7’s coverage of the second Test at the Gabba, Wood suggested that a comeback in Adelaide on December 17 is unlikely.

“I think there's a chance there, but more realistically, it's probably more Melbourne and then Sydney after that… I need to get out of this [brace] first to get moving around,” he said.

Wood revealed that he has received painkilling injections since the first Test and hinted that his body is struggling to cope with the demands of express bowling.

“Throughout my career, I've tried to show resilience and keep coming back and push it where I can bowl faster and faster, but I'm getting older now," he said. “I don't know if my body's not coping with it as well, but I'll keep trying… I'm trying to just get through day-to-day at the minute.”

Mental Battle Adds to Physical Challenge

Wood acknowledged that the mental strain of repeated rehabilitation is proving just as tough as the physical challenges.

"It's more mentally difficult than physically. You've got to try and build it back up and come back again, and that's probably the more difficult thing," he said. For now, his focus is on rest and a slow return to running before any bowling workload can resume.

Stokes Backs Wood to Fight On

England captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence ahead of the Brisbane Test that Wood would do everything in his power to remain part of the series.

“We've got a lot more time to go on this tour, and we'll just see how things play out with that,” Stokes said, indicating that England will monitor Wood closely over the coming weeks.

With the Ashes finely balanced, England will be hoping their fastest bowler can recover in time to play a role later in the series. However, Wood’s latest updates suggest patience—and cautious optimism—may be required.