Mark Wood was selected by England as their only bowler for the first Test match against India in Hyderabad.
Despite bowling just 25 overs and going wicketless during the encounter, the 34-year-old was content with his contribution. In his analysis of the obstacles in his first Test match on the subcontinent, Mark Wood said he missed James Anderson in the middle since the pacer had no one to converse with.
The cricket player, who was born in Ashington, also disclosed that captain Ben Stokes was clear about his responsibilities before the opening Test. He described the Test series against India as one of the best games he has ever played and acknowledged that the spinners will play a much larger role in it.
That seemed a little strange. It was kind of like, “Yeah, I’ll practice one over with the new ball,” especially when the captain said that you would bowl one over with the new ball. It would be extremely odd for you to bowl one over and then be out. Strangely though, I believe what he says. One more than? Alright, I’ll give it my all to finish this. I’m not irritated that he said “rest” after that. Like, I get; let’s spin now. Thus, it’s just a little bit different, Mark Wood reportedly stated, according to ESPNcricinfo.
“I told Jimmy (Anderson) that I thought it was even more strange that I had no one to talk to.” As I moved along, I was sort of figuring things out. Although I’m sad that I didn’t get any wickets, I’m not too concerned because the squad played fantastically. One of the best games I’ve ever played,” the Durham speedster continued.
Meanwhile, England will visit Vizag on Tuesday, January 30, following a 28-run victory in Hyderabad. They will be optimistic about their chances of winning the series and making history by becoming the first team to defeat India in a home Test series in more than ten years.