The Ashes: Mark Wood eager to ‘prove himself’ as he eyes fifth Test triumph and T20 World Cup glory

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Mark Wood is eager to build on his recent form against Australia’s key men: “I want to improve my game and prove myself against the best players. It is always special when you have big grounds: Smith, Warner, Marnus, they are the best players.”

Mark Wood has been one of England’s bright spots

“Wickets and wins” remains the mantra for Mark Wood as he and England enter the fifth Ashes Test eager to end their largely forgettable month in Australia on top.

The fast pitcher has been among all-too-infrequent inspiration blinks in recent weeks with high-profile wickets from world No. 1 hitter Marnus Labuschagne and a test fourth hit of 39 including three satisfying sixes from Pat Cummins pins to hit. English fans reason to smile.

He was quick to dismiss the idea that his form had served as a “moral victory” on the grounds that England had been “getting beaten up” but insists the visitors are committed to making amends.

“I certainly don’t want to go back to feeling like I have on this series, where I’ve been disappointed in the locker room,” Wood said.

“It is not a good place to be. So I will come to the T20 World Cup to win and in this last test match we are also here to win. We have not done very well on this trip, but we have a chance to stand up. and show some character. “

The T20 World Cup will take place in Australia between October and November this year as the hosts look to defend their crown.

Wood has earned praise from both fans in Australia, firing Labuschagne three times on 17 balls, as well as going head-to-head and emerging victorious with Steve Smith and David Warner.

He enters Hobart with eight wickets at 37.62 to his name, with recognition directed not only at his production against the key men of the hosts, but also at his unerring passion on the international stage.

“Personally, I am satisfied with my effort, but when you play for England, the effort must be a given,” he said.

“You should be giving everything you have every time. I’ve given 100 percent. This is one last big push for me to try to keep up my speed and offer that to the team. It’s all good and good playing.” games, but what I’m looking for are wins and lands, so that’s my priority.

“I kept my pace, but I didn’t get the terrain that I really wanted. Now I have another chance in this game to put something in the right column at the end.

“I want to improve my game and prove myself against the best players. It is always special when you have great fields: Smith, Warner, Marnus, they are the best players.”

Wood had been left out of England heading into the second Test in Adelaide, during which Australia did relatively light work with their opponents’ slower-paced closers. Since then, it has reacted to the decision admirably, its consistent speeds from 90 mph onwards continue to test the big names who stare at it.

The fifth Test, meanwhile, will stage Sam Billings’ debut after Jos Buttler’s injury, with the Kent keeper driving 500 miles from the Gold Coast to Sydney, and was about to leave the country after competing for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash when she got her maid call.

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