England fast bowler Mark Wood has on Wednesday (November 4) insisted he is still trying to chase that dream of playing Test cricket for England despite being overlooked for a red-ball central contract.
The 30-year-old has so far played just 16 Tests since making debut five years ago in the five-day format. Given the stiff competition with the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, and Chris Woakes, the Durham pacer found it hard to break into England’s Test squad.
However, England’s white-ball specialist, who was part of the Lions’ 2019 World Cup-winning campaign at home, was trying his best to be able to play all three formats of the game for his country.
As per AFP, Wood said: “I still love playing for England. (Not playing Tests) is something in the future I might have to look at; my body, a young family, time away from home - financially, what can I do to help them and spend more time at home?”
The English bowler further added, “But at the minute, growing up I always wanted to play for England across all formats and I'm still trying to chase that dream of playing for England and hopefully I can get a few games this year and prove my worth in all three (formats).”
While other England fast bowlers have been starring in the ongoing IPL 2020 in the UAE, Wood is at home to pursue Test dream and hopes to make a trip to Sri Lanka and India next year.
He further added, “Hopefully I can keep up with the battle-hardened players who have been in the IPL. To have two England lads in me and Jofra against the two South African lads in the upcoming series is quite exciting, to see how we both combat each other.”
Wood signed off by saying, “Hopefully I can take the chance when it comes. Previously I have maybe put too much pressure on myself when getting in the team on that one-off, get five wickets and keep myself in the team. This time I'm a bit older, bit wiser and I'll stick to my processes and not put too much pressure on myself to get in the team.”
(With AFP Inputs)
