'Rapid' Wood stakes his claim for a place in First Ashes Test

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

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Wood (pictured) 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.

If he is passed fit it would be a huge boost, particularly given the withdrawals of Australia quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, and teammate Jamie Smith confirmed Wood was tracking well after facing him from 22 yards.