Wood targets a Durham return ahead of Ashes

ENGLAND bowler Mark Wood is targeting a comeback with Durham before the end of the season as he readies himself to play a part in this winter's Ashes.

- By RORY DOLLARD

Wood has been out for six months following a knee injury sustained at the Champions Trophy in February and played his last Test over a year ago.

But despite his lengthy layoff, Wood remains an integral part of England’s plans to reclaim the urn Down Under. He remains the fastest bowler in the country and was arguably his side's best performer when they last toured Australia in 2021/22.

The Ashington-born 35-year-old had initially planned to feature in the deciding fifth Test against India, but suffered a setback and now hopes to feature for his county in the coming weeks. Relegation-threatened Durham have Rothesay County Championship matches against Essex, Worcestershire and Yorkshire coming up and can expect to see Wood involved.