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Encouraging Health News for England Cricket Team Before Crucial Ashes Campaign

English pace bowler Mark Wood was cleared from any worries over his hamstring injury following medical scans conducted in Perth.

Wood caused concern for England an injury scare during the opening day of England's Ashes warm-up match versus England Lions when he exited the field experiencing discomfort in his leg muscle.

Recent Health Concerns

This occurred on the same left leg on which Wood underwent surgery after sustaining a knee problem in February.

In his first action since the surgery, the fast bowler bowled two four-over spells prior to exiting the playing area on Thursday.

Medical Approval and Recovery Timeline

• Durham's right-armer had a scan on Friday
• Has been given medical clearance to resume training
• First Test against Australia in Perth next month

The clearance came from injury concerns on the same day Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood was declared unavailable for the opening Test due to hamstring issues himself.

Training Schedule and Squad Strategy

The bowler won't take part in today's final day of the practice match in Perth, but England said he'll "continue to train as planned" during preparation for the opening Test.

This represents a huge boost for the bowler, one of the fastest pace bowlers in England's history representing England, though in 37 Test matches which has been affected by injuries.

Recent Absence and Comeback Prospects

He has not played in Test cricket for over a year, initially due to an elbow problem, followed by knee problem.

Despite the long absence, the team wanted for Wood to be in the playing eleven in the opening Test, alongside Jofra Archer, to hit Australia with pace on what is expected to be a lively surface at Optus Stadium.

Team Choices and Tactics

• Tourists hinted their strategy for the first Test
• Including five fast bowlers, featuring Wood and Archer
• Without specialist spinner in the team for the tour game

The English management must weigh up including Wood in the lineup for the first Test, and potential impact the composition of their bowling if he's unavailable.

Possible Replacements

Josh Tongue could be included as direct replacement, or England could turn to a spin option in Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.

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

Lions Fixtures and Other Squad News

England Lions meet a Cricket Australia XI in Perth concurrently as the first Test, then move on to a two-day pink-ball game versus Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

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

Ahmed missed out in the squad for the Ashes squad as England opted for Jacks as their second spinner.

Ahmed is returning to the UK but is expected to recover to represent Hobart Hurricanes in BBL starting next month.