‘It is his return that offers the most optimism’ - Michael Atherton backs Mark Wood's inclusion in third Ashes Test

England team went with three changes in the third Test in Ashes 2023 and pacer Mark Wood's inclusion is seen as the most significant among all. Wood is returning from an elbow injury and recently passed a fitness test to be a part of the playing XI. In the same light, former English cricketer Michael Atherton has backed the lanky speedster's inclusion in the squad. 

Wood has been one of the few positives for the English side in the last Ashes in Australia with 17 wickets in four games. Although the visiting side had a 0-4 defeat in the five-match Test series, Wood was able to put up some show in the Ashes.  The 33-year-old pacer getting the opportunity in the side has been possible after veteran pacer James Anderson has been rested for the game. The 40-year-old pacer had a relatively modest series so far. 

“Wood will be significantly quicker than anyone else in the series so far and he enjoyed success last winter against some of Australia’s key batsmen. It is his return that offers the most optimism," Atherton wrote in his column for The Times.

“The absence of James Anderson reflects on the schedule but also the Lancastrian’s inability thus far to make any dents in Australia’s line-up. He will surely return at Old Trafford," he further added.

It is pertinent to mention that along with Anderson, pacer Josh Tongue has also been rested for the Headingley game, while Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to injury. Along with Wood, spinn all-rounder Mooen Ali and pacer Chris Woakes have made it to the squad.

The Australian side made one change for the third Test

The Ben Stokes-led side won the toss and opted to bowl first, for the Australian side there was only one change as Mitchell Marsh replaces Cameron Green, who had a hamstring strain in the last game. Whereas in the five-game Ashes series, Pat Cummins-led Australia is leading by 2-0. If England go on to lose the Headingley show, it would be Australia's first Test victory on English soil after 2001.