England fast bowler Mark Wood is ready to bring the thunder to Australia once again when they face off in Manchester next week, hoping to replicate his heroic performance at Headingley.
Wood made a stunning return to Ashes cricket in Leeds, earning the player-of-the-match title by taking seven wickets for 100 runs and smashing 40 crucial runs from just 16 deliveries.
His outstanding efforts shifted the momentum of the series, allowing England to bounce back after consecutive defeats and giving them a shot at reclaiming the urn against all odds.
Wood's raw pace injected an X-factor that was lacking at Edgbaston and Lord's. In fact, his very first ball of the match became England's fastest of the summer.
Throughout his first red-ball appearance in seven months, he consistently cranked up the speed, reaching an impressive 96.5mph during a fierce opening spell. Australia's batting line-up appeared considerably less confident in his intimidating presence on the field.
Wood disclosed that his England captain and teammate from Durham, Ben Stokes, had given him a simple directive before setting him loose.
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"Ben just asked me, 'Are you ready? Are you ready to bowl some thunderbolts?' I said yes and that was it," Wood revealed.
"He was ready to unleash me. I know him well and he knows me well. Having that relationship with someone makes it easier."
When asked if he was prepared to deliver a similar performance at Emirates Old Trafford next Wednesday, Wood responded with a grin, saying, "Absolutely. Lightning strikes twice, eh?"
With only three days between the fourth and fifth games of the series, he plans to be ready for both matches after a week of preparation.
"I played four consecutive Tests in Australia last time. It's a tough challenge, but one I've done before, and I'll draw on that experience to try and do it again," Wood stated.
"I'll consult with the physio, but I imagine I'll bowl once or twice, do a couple of gym sessions, maybe some running, but nothing too drastic. I need to let my body recover.
"This was my first game in a very, very long time, especially in Test cricket. I'll allow my body to recuperate, find myself in a good state, let the wounds heal, and get ready for the next one."
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