News

T20 World Cup: Mark Wood says England have ‘no excuses’ despite weather-disrupted warm-up series

Written by Mohan Sharma

Mark Wood says there will be “no excuses” from England following a frustrating preparation period for the T20 World Cup.

Two of the first three Vitality Blast international series encounters against Pakistan – at Headingley and Cardiff – were abandoned without a ball being bowled.

England managed a 23-run victory at Edgbaston in the second game, and they will be hoping for a weather break – with rain expected again – in Thursday’s series finale at the Kia Oval.

Wood and company then head to the West Indies ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland in Barbados on June 4, live on Sky Sports.

“Obviously, it’s not ideal when you schedule four games and we might only get one or two,” fast bowler Wood said. “A few of the lads are keen to get a run out at the Oval, so that will help. It will give confidence to everyone in the group.

“It was a good game the other day against Pakistan. They looked like they were pushing us really close, and might have got there in the end if it wasn’t for such good bowling and shutting the game out from (Reece) Topley, (Chris) Jordan and (Jofra) Archer.

“Yes, we have got experience, but warm-up games always give you a sense of different things you can tinker with. Who is in good form? Who needs to work on other things? Some lads have been playing at the IPL and they are match-ready. Other lads haven’t, and the lads that haven’t, is there a freshness?

About the author

Mohan Sharma