England's Wood hoping to hit top gear in time for World Cup

Reuters

September 24, 2022

Englands Mark Wood (R) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistans Haider Ali (not pictured) during the third Twenty20 international cricket match between Pakistan and England at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on September 23, 2022. — AFP — England's Mark Wood (R) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Haider Ali (not pictured) during the third Twenty20 international cricket match between Pakistan and England at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on September 23, 2022. — AFP

England bowler Mark Wood said he is hopeful he can return to full fitness and hit his peak "at the right time" ahead of this year's T20 World Cup in Australia.

Wood, who missed the entire English summer due to an elbow injury, marked his return to international cricket with three wickets in England's 63-run win over Pakistan in Karachi on Friday.

"My body feels OK," Wood told Sky Sports after the win. "I'll probably live on an ice machine now.

"What's important for me is that I don't want to go too hard now and then I'm not ready for Australia. I've got to peak at the right time, and then when it comes to that World Cup, I'm fit and firing.

"I'm just a little bit tired. It's my first game in a while but actually, I felt pretty good leading into it. I've done loads of time in the gym, lots of running, but nothing is the same as playing a game."

England, who took a 2-1 lead in the seven-match series with the win, will next face Pakistan on Sunday as both sides continue preparations for the October 16-November 13 T20 World Cup.