Root welcomes back paceman Wood

Apr 25, 2017 - 7:28 PM England have recalled Mark Wood for the Champions Trophy, with skipper Joe Root hailing the Durham quick's "raw pace" as a potentially decisive weapon.

Wood has battled back to fitness after missing England's entire winter programme, during which he underwent a third ankle operation.

But the Ashes-winning bowler has done enough for Durham in the opening weeks of the County Championship season to persuade the selectors he is ready for the tournament in June.

The 27-year-old last played for England in September and, although injury problems have restricted him to a just 11 one-day caps since debuting in 2015, his pace and hostility mark him out as a compelling choice.

Test captain Root, who is also a pivotal player in the 50-over side, was enthused about Wood's return to the fold.

"He's obviously a very skilful bowler but that raw pace is obviously a huge weapon in limited-overs cricket," he said at a Chance to Shine event at his old school, Dore Primary in Sheffield.

"Up front if you can bowl as quickly as he can and move the ball laterally then he can get us off to a good start.

"We've seen when he's played that he can make a big impact and can wrest a game in your favour in the space of two or three overs."

National selector James Whitaker, announcing the squad at Edgbaston - one of three host venues for the June tournament, alongside Cardiff and the Oval - was equally pleased to have Wood at the team's disposal after a troubling spell on the sidelines.

"He's worked hard on his fitness. He's had a few issues in the last year or so but he made his comeback in the UAE and has progressed nicely over the season for Durham," Whitaker told Sky Sports.

"We don't start for another month and he's an exceptional X-factor bowler. We look forward to seeing him. He can bowl 90 miles an hour and on his day he's a handful."

There were no real surprises in the 15-man squad, although Steven Finn will be disappointed not to have won one of five fast bowling slots having failed to edge out David Willey, Liam Plunkett or Jake Ball.

England's season will begin with the games against Ireland at Bristol and Lord's on May 5 and May 7, with IPL trio Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes excused.

Captain Morgan, wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings and opener Jason Roy will report back from India for those games, with Finn and Northamptonshire batsman Ben Duckett selected as cover.

England squad for Champions Trophy and South Africa series.

E Morgan (Capt), M Ali, J Bairstow, J Ball, S Billings, J Buttler, A Hales, L Plunkett, A Rashid, J Root, J Roy, B Stokes, D Willey, C Woakes, M Wood.

Source: AAP