Mark Wood Poised for Speedy Performance in Third Test Against West Indies
- Ben Stokes believes Mark Wood could reach 100mph during the Test match against the West Indies.
- Wood previously recorded a bowling speed of 97.1mph at Trent Bridge.
- England aims for a 3-0 series sweep against the West Indies, with the match starting on Friday.
England's captain Ben Stokes has expressed confidence in bowler Mark Wood's ability to reach 100mph during the upcoming third Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston. Wood, 34, recently clocked an impressive 97.1mph, and Stokes believes that with his consistent performance, Wood could achieve the milestone. The match is set to begin on Friday, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Cricket. Stokes highlighted Wood's remarkable speed, noting that he consistently bowls above 90mph in every Test match. "Woody is always looking up at the screen to see what he's clocking," Stokes remarked, emphasizing the importance of both skill and speed in Wood's role. The captain confirmed that Wood is ready to take the field again, following a thorough check-in with the bowlers after each Test. As England prepares for the match, Stokes acknowledged the challenges of fast bowling and hinted at potential changes in the bowling lineup later in the summer, particularly with a series against Sri Lanka on the horizon. He expressed optimism about the inclusion of younger bowlers in the squad, which could provide valuable experience. In a notable development for the West Indies, spinner Kevin Sinclair has been ruled out of the Edgbaston Test due to a fractured forearm, sustained from a delivery by Wood in the previous match. Gudakesh Motie, who had been sidelined by illness, will replace Sinclair in the squad, as both teams gear up for an exciting conclusion to the series.