WOOD HOT ON ASHES

Fast bowler on target to face Oz

- BY RORY DOLLARD

MARK WOOD is targeting a comeback with Durham before the end of the season - as he steps up his plans for this winter's Ashes.

England bowler Wood has been out for six months after sustaining a knee injury at the Champions Trophy in February (below). He played his last Test more than a year ago.

But despite his lengthy layoff, Wood remains an integral part of England's plans to reclaim the urn Down Under.

He is still the fastest bowler in the country and was arguably his side’s best performer when they last toured Australia in 2021-22. Wood, 35, had initially planned to feature in the deciding fifth Test against India, but suffered a setback.