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Positive Health Update for England Cricket Team Ahead of Crucial Ashes Series

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been given the all-clear from any concerns over his hamstring injury after a scan in Perth.

Wood gave England a health worry during the opening day of their pre-Ashes practice game versus the England Lions after he left the field suffering discomfort in his hamstring.

Previous Health Concerns

This occurred on the identical leg where Wood underwent surgery after sustaining a knee problem earlier this year.

In his first action post-operation, the fast bowler delivered two four-over sessions before leaving the field on Thursday.

Health Clearance and Recovery Schedule

• Durham's right-armer underwent scanning on Friday
• Has been given the go-ahead to continue preparations
• First Test against Australia at Optus Stadium next month

The clearance came from injury concerns coincidentally Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for the opening Test with a hamstring problem of his own.

Training Schedule and Team Strategy

The bowler won't participate in Saturday's final day of the tour game at Lilac Hill, but England said he'll "continue to train as planned" in the build-up for the opening Test.

It is a huge boost for the bowler, among the quickest bowlers to ever play for England, albeit in a 37-Test career that has been blighted by fitness issues.

Recent Time Out and Comeback Prospects

Wood hasn't featured a Test for over a year, first because of an elbow problem, followed by knee injury.

Notwithstanding his time out, the team wanted the fast bowler to be in the playing eleven in the opening Test, alongside Jofra Archer, to challenge Australia using speed on an anticipated fast pitch in Perth.

Team Selection and Tactics

• Tourists hinted at their plans for the first Test
• Including five fast bowlers, including Wood and Archer
• Without specialist spinner in the team for practice match

The English management will have to weigh up including Wood in their team for the first Test, and potential impact the composition of their bowling if he is not risked.

Potential Replacements

Josh Tongue could be included as a like-for-like replacement, or England consider spin bowling in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

If Wood misses out on Perth Test, there is the possibility to improve match fitness in Lions fixtures.

England Lions Schedule and Other Team News

The Lions meet a CA XI at Lilac Hill concurrently with opening Test, then move on to a two-day pink-ball game versus Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

Meanwhile, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been excluded of the remainder of the Lions' tour with a leg injury.

The spinner wasn't selected in the squad for the Ashes squad when England opted for Jacks as their second spinner.

Ahmed will return to the UK though anticipated to recover to represent Hobart Hurricanes in BBL from next month.