\n<\/p>\n
Wood, one of the fastest bowlers to play Test cricket for England, has a chequered injury history.<\/p>\n
His latest spell out of the Test side began 15 months ago with an elbow problem. When the Durham man made his return in white-ball cricket at the beginning of this year, he sustained the knee injury that required surgery.<\/p>\n
While his inclusion would come with an element of risk, England will be keen to include him for his pace, previous success against Australia and the importance of starting the series well.<\/p>\n
If England do field five seamers, Wood’s workload can be balanced by the other four. It would arguably be harder to play him later in the series when a spinner is needed, meaning there are only three other pace bowlers to share the load.<\/p>\n
Wood was included as one of five seamers – including all-rounder Stokes – for England’s only warm-up game against England Lions at Lilac Hill last week.<\/p>\n
He bowled eight overs in two spells of four on the first day – a workload that England said was pre-planned – but left the field midway through the afternoon session.<\/p>\n
He had a scan and received the all-clear on Saturday morning, but played no further part in the tour game.<\/p>\n
Australia are set to be without captain Pat Cummins and fellow pace bowler Josh Hazlewood for the series opener, with Brendan Doggett in line for a debut.<\/p>\n
Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury, has been bowling in the Perth nets as he builds towards a potential return in the second Test in Brisbane on 4 December.<\/p>\n
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey did not rule out Cummins springing a surprise and playing the first Test, but it is understood the skipper will remain on the sidelines.<\/p>\n
“The thing for Pat is the workload and getting enough overs in his legs, making sure there are no other injuries from bowling,” said Carey.<\/p>\n
“It looked like his rhythm was there. It’s great to see and for him to the around the group – he’s a fantastic leader. <\/p>\n
“It’s looking like he’s preparing really well. It would be great to see him back playing soon.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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