Mark Wood at press conference in Hyderabad (Courtesy: ECB/Screengrab)
England fast bowler Mark Wood wants a piece of history against India in the five-Test series, starting January 25 in Hyderabad. The visitors will be looking to win their first Test series since 2012. It was their only series win in their past seven visits to the country.
However, England are still to lose a Test series since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over as captain and coach respectively in the summer of 2022.
“Not many teams come here and win,” said Wood said. “It”s a free hit, to be honest. We”ve created history in the past. We could go down in flames but we will give it a good go.”
“I don”t know what is going on in his personal life, but there are bigger things than cricket,” he added.
Former India captain Virat Kohli pulled out of the first-two match citing personal reasons. Wood who is likely to line-up with James Anderson to form the England bowling attack said that it is plus for the visitor not having to bowl at Kohli.
“Hopefully he”s going to be alright. It”s obviously a big impact cricketing-wise because he”s one of the best players in the world, one of the best players ever.
“In terms of cricket, it”s a plus that we”re not having to bowl to Virat Kohli. I”m sure he”ll play some role in the series. Away from the cricket, we wish him all the best.”
Meanwhile, Team India head coach Rahul Dravid clarified that KL Rahul won”t be keeping for the hosts in the series.
The hosts will have the option to pick between Dhruv Jurel who earned his maiden call-up in the Indian side and his seasoned compatriot KS Bharat for the wicketkeeping role.
“Rahul won”t be playing as a wicket-keeper in the series,” Dravid said. “I think we were quite clear about that from the selection itself.”
“We had picked two others who could keep for us. Rahul did a fantastic job for us in South Africa and really played a big part in helping us draw that series. But considering five Test matches and playing in these conditions, the selection will be between the two other keepers we have”.
The five-match Test series will be important for both sides in the World Test Championship cycle from 2023 to 2025. The hosts are currently at the second spot while England are seventh in the top nine teams table.
