'Rapid' Wood in fast lane for Ashes opener

ENGLAND GIVEN A BOOST WITH BOWLER'S FITNESS FOR FIRST TEST

- By RORY DOLLARD

MARK Wood's chances of lining up in Friday's first Ashes Test are on the rise after he roared through an "absolutely rapid" spell in the nets in Perth.

Wood has not played competitively since undergoing knee surgery in March and saw his hopes of playing in the series opener thrown into doubt after playing a reduced role in last week's tour game against England Lions.

But scans on a stiff left hamstring showed no cause for concern and there is renewed optimism in the camp that the quickest bowler in the country could be ready for what is expected to be a fast and furious surface.

Wood was wearing heavy strapping but bowled for around 40 minutes as England trained for the first time at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium, increasing his run-up incrementally and working towards full speed.