Ashes 2023: It is his return that offers the most optimism – Michael Atherton on Mark Wood’s inclusion in 3rd Test

Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes Mark Wood’s return to the team’s final XI for the third Ashes Test against Australia offers the most optimism. Wood had missed the first two Test matches against the visitors as he wasn’t 100% fit.

The home team had announced their playing XI on Wednesday and Wood finally found his name on the team’s sheet. England are trailing by 2-0 in the series and they will be looking to turn the tables. The hosts have decided to drop veteran fast bowler James Anderson, who could only take three wickets in the first two Test matches at an average of 75.33.

Meanwhile, Wood can breathe down the neck of the Australian batters with his extra pace. The right-arm gun pacer has scalped 90 wickets in 28 Test matches at an average of 30.9. Wood is well known to consistently bowl around 150 kmph and he can definitely ruffle a few feathers.

Atherton wrote in his column for The Times: “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.”

Atherton feels James Anderson will definitely return to England’s playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test against the visitors.

Atherton added: “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.”

Meanwhile, former England skipper added Jonny Bairstow will have a point to prove after his controversial dismissal in the second innings of the Lord’s Test match.

“The cold handshake between Bairstow and the Australia players at the conclusion of the Lord’s game was telling and he is often the type to respond strongly when he feels that he has a point to prove or that the focus is on him.”

Atherton reckons Bairstow can make more impact while batting at number five rather than number six.

“The reshuffle means a return to No 5 for Bairstow, which is where he batted so brilliantly last summer and where he will once again have a chance to shape events more obviously than from No 7.”

The third Ashes Test is scheduled to commence from Thursday, July 6, onwards at Headingley, Leeds.