Mark Wood has been named in England's 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth on Friday, with Shoaib Bashir expected to be the substitute

England stand ready to embrace all-out pace in Friday’s Ashes opener in Perth after Mark Wood was cleared for action. Wood has been named in a 12-man squad for the series opener and is the fastest among a five-strong arsenal of seamers which also includes Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson and captain Ben Stokes .

Spinner Shoaib Bashir has been included as insurance against a late change in conditions but all signs point towards England channelling their need for speed.

Wood has endured elbow and knee surgery since his last Test appearance in August 2024, as well as a minor hamstring scare during last week’s warm-up ma

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