Wood stood out with his consistently high pace ©AFP
For much of the last year, Mark Wood has been overlooked more than he has been selected for England. Sometimes, such as when they selected him for just one of six Tests last summer or when they persisted with the struggling Tom Curran during the T20I series against South Africa in November, it has been difficult to understand the logic. Wood is a genial personality and a team man to his core but at times it must have been tempting to throw his toys out of the pram. That just isn't Wood's way, however. Instead, he has kept his head down and waited for his opportunities. And this winter, he has taken every one of them.
He played both Tests in Sri Lanka and produced two fine displays in conditions that are about as unforgiving to fast-bowlers as there are around the world. He bowled quickly and indefatigably, although without much luck, and reminded the selectors of the cutting edge that he offers in the longest format. Wood did not play the Tests in India - he was rested for the first two games and then not selected for the final two - but returned to the side for this first T20I. And once again, although the statistics might not show it, he took his chance with
