Perth, Nov 13 (NationPress) England's pace bowler Mark Wood is set to undergo a precautionary scan on Friday following reports of hamstring stiffness during the first day of England's warm-up match against the England Lions in Perth. The seasoned fast bowler had to leave the field during the afternoon session after delivering eight overs, but he is anticipated to return to bowling in two days.

Wood participated in only eight overs during the warm-up match before having to exit due to a hamstring injury. As a significant player for England in their quest to reclaim the urn after a decade, his availability for the Ashes opener now hangs in the balance after just one day of action at Lilac Hill Park.

In his first red-ball match in nine months, Wood completed two four-over spells—one in the morning and another later in the day—before leaving the field right after his eighth over.

According to an ECB statement, “The plan for Mark Wood was to bowl eight overs today. He has experienced some stiffness in his hamstring, which has limited his time on the field during the second session of day one. A precautionary scan is scheduled for tomorrow. We expect him to bowl again in two days; however, it’s unlikely he will return to play today.”

The 35-year-old has participated in 11 Tests against Australia and is deemed England’s most potent bowler, having conceded 0-29 in his eight overs before leaving. Wood has been recovering from a knee injury and has not played in an international match since February.

Australia also faces injury troubles, with Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott sustaining injuries during their Sheffield Shield match for NSW. While Hazlewood has been cleared to play in the Perth Test, Abbott has been ruled out for the Ashes opener.

Additionally, Australia will miss their regular captain Pat Cummins, who is recuperating from a back injury. Given his recent performance in the nets, Cummins is expected to return for the second Test at the Gabba.