Mark Wood’s 2018 finished with a flourish on both a personal & professional level – & he’s hoping an unexpected call early in 2019 will set him off on the right foot for a successful year ahead.
The 29-year-old yesterday received the call to join up with England’s Test side in the Caribbean ahead of their series against the Windies, replacing Olly Stone after the Warwickshire paceman picked up a back injury.
It’s just reward for Wood’s hard work at the back end of last year, finishing the season with an eight-wicket haul against Middlesex in the final match of the Specsavers County Championship before impressing in England Lions’ series against Pakistan before Christmas.
And Wood has enjoyed his time away from cricket, too, after tying the knot with partner Sarah shortly before the New Year.
Happy new year from the Wood’s ?? pic.twitter.com/Qk5Bv0x61e
— Mark Wood (@MAWood33) December 31, 2018
The right-armer is content with his game & feeling in a great place as he joins up with the squad over the weekend.
“I am really pleased to get the call and I do feel for Olly (Stone) in these circumstances. I am excited to be joining up with a team that’s flying at the minute,” Wood said.
“I have put a lot of work into my game when I was away with Lions in the UAE during November and December and I took on board what the coaches were looking for while I was there. We discussed the way I trained, being more efficient with my preparation and having a positive mindset.
“I am enjoying myself and having fun with the game again. I am very clear about where I am at and I have a lot of clarity.
“My body is good to go. I left the tour of the UAE in a really good place physically.
“I have had a clear thought process and mentally I feel fresh and excited to continue to improve on things I started with the Lions and play with a smile on my face.”