Wood set to return in fourth Ashes Test

Mark Wood is set to be recalled by England, but mystery surrounds Australia’s XI for the fourth Ashes Test.

Wood trained on Monday and Tuesday in Nottingham and, barring any last-minute setbacks, will be thrown the new ball in the clash that starts on Thursday.

The hosts will make one change to the XI that crushed Australia by eight wickets at Edgbaston, with Jimmy Anderson likely to miss the final two Tests due to a side strain.

The tourists are expected to name an unchanged pace attack of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for the sixth Test in a row.

The only question is whether Adam Voges or Shaun Marsh will bat in the middle order.

Marsh had an extended hit in the nets on Tuesday, while Voges limped off due to a stiff neck.

Voges is expected to train on Wednesday, when selectors Rod Marsh and Darren Lehmann will decide whether to make the change or not.

“He’s just twinged his neck again, which he did a few weeks back,” Chris Rogers told SEN radio.

Voges has failed to fire during the England tour, while Marsh has posted centuries against Kent and Derbyshire but is yet to play a Test.

The addition of Wood, who missed the third Test due to an ankle injury, is more straightforward.

“We’re really happy with his progress over the last couple of days,” England captain Alastair Cook said.

“You’re always slightly concerned about the next morning (after an injured player bowls for the first time).

“He’s come through absolutely fine, so the last check will be tomorrow before we name him.”

Regardless of which Western Australian is alongside Michael Clarke in the middle order, the captain could shuffle down to No.5.

The 34-year-old suggested he would wait for an XI and do what was in the best interests of the team.

Cook felt his counterpart was on a hiding to nothing either way.

“If it works and they score more runs because of it, then you’ll say it’s the right move,” Cook said.

“If it doesn’t, then it’s not the right move … it’s judgment.

“It’s what’s best for Australia’s side.”

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