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Positive Health News for England Cricket Before Important Ashes Series

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared from any worries over his hamstring injury following medical scans conducted in Perth.

Wood caused concern for England an injury scare on the first day of their pre-Ashes practice game versus England Lions when he exited the field suffering tightness in his leg muscle.

Recent Injury History

This occurred on the identical leg where the 35-year-old underwent surgery following a knee injury in February.

During his return post-operation, Wood delivered two four-over sessions before leaving the field yesterday.

Medical Approval and Recovery Timeline

• Durham's fast bowler underwent scanning this morning
• Has been given medical clearance to resume preparations
• Opening Test against Australia in Perth on 21 November

Wood was cleared of an injury on the same day Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood was declared unavailable for the opening Test with a hamstring problem of his own.

Training Plans and Team Approach

Wood will not take part in today's concluding day of the tour game at Lilac Hill, but England stated he will "continue to train as planned" during preparation to the first Test.

This represents significant positive news for Wood, among the quickest pace bowlers to ever play representing England, though in a 37-Test career that has been blighted by fitness issues.

Recent Absence and Comeback Possibilities

He has not played in Test cricket for over a year, initially due to elbow issues, then the knee problem.

Despite the long absence, England were keen the fast bowler to be in the playing eleven for the first Test, together with Jofra Archer, to hit Australia using speed on what is expected fast pitch in Perth.

Squad Selection and Strategy

• England indicated their strategy for the Ashes opener
• Including five fast bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
• No front-line spinner in the team for practice match

The English management will have to consider including Wood in their team for Perth Test, and potential impact the composition of their attack if he's unavailable.

Possible Alternatives

Josh Tongue could be included as a like-for-like replacement, could opt to consider a spin option in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

If Wood misses out on Perth Test, exists the option to build his fitness in Lions fixtures.

England Lions Fixtures and Additional Squad Updates

The Lions meet a CA XI in Perth at the same time with opening Test, before progressing to a two-day pink-ball game against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

In other news, leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been excluded of the remainder of Lions tour with a leg injury.

The spinner wasn't selected in the squad for Ashes tour when England preferred Jacks as backup spinner.

Ahmed is returning to England but is expected to be fit to play for Hobart Hurricanes in BBL starting next month.