England's Paceman Mark Wood Receives Clean Bill of Health After Hamstring Scare

English fast bowler Mark Wood was given the all-clear from any worries over his left hamstring after a scan conducted in Perth.

The Durham bowler gave England a health worry during the opening day of England's Ashes warm-up match versus England Lions after he exited the field suffering discomfort in his hamstring.

Previous Injury History

This occurred on the same left leg where Wood underwent surgery following a knee problem in February.

In his first action post-operation, the fast bowler bowled two four-over sessions prior to exiting the playing area yesterday.

Medical Approval and Recovery Timeline

• Durham's fast bowler underwent scanning on Friday
• Received the go-ahead to continue training
• First Test against Australia at Optus Stadium on 21 November

Wood was cleared from injury concerns on the same day Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood was declared unavailable for the opening Test due to hamstring issues himself.

Preparation Plans and Squad Approach

The bowler won't take part in today's concluding day of the practice match at Lilac Hill, but England stated he will "keep training as planned" during preparation for the opening Test.

It is significant positive news for the bowler, one of the fastest bowlers in England's history for England, albeit in 37 Test matches that has been blighted by fitness issues.

Previous Time Out and Comeback Prospects

He has not played a Test for over a year, first because of elbow issues, then the knee problem.

Notwithstanding his time out, England were keen for Wood to be in their XI for the first Test, together with Jofra Archer, to challenge Australia with pace on an anticipated to be a lively surface in Perth.

Squad Selection and Tactics

• England indicated at their plans for the Ashes opener
• Including five pace bowlers, including Wood and Archer
• No front-line spinner in the team for the tour game

Now England will have to consider including Wood in their team for the first Test, and potential impact the balance of their attack if he's unavailable.

Potential Alternatives

Josh Tongue could be included as a like-for-like replacement, could opt to consider a spin option with Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

Should Wood misses out in the first Test, exists the possibility to improve match fitness in Lions fixtures.

Lions Fixtures and Other Squad News

England Lions meet a CA XI at Lilac Hill at the same time with opening Test, then move on to a two-day pink-ball game against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

In other news, wrist-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been ruled out from remaining part of the Lions' tour with a leg injury.

The spinner wasn't selected on selection for the Ashes squad when England preferred Jacks as backup spinner.

The 21-year-old is returning to the UK though anticipated to be fit to represent Hobart team in BBL from next month.