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With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 done and dusted, the action will now shift towards the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 and the India tour of England, which is set to begin from June 20 in Leeds. While the WTC Final will see the top two Test teams, South Africa and Australia lock horns at the iconic Lord’s in London from June 11 to 15, India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill will aim to regain the newly named Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, bringing an end to their 18-year wait.
As the series comes near, the England cricket team has received a massive boost as they might see their lethal pacer, Mark Wood return. As per the recent developments, Wood could potentially return in the fourth or fifth Test against India as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Mark Wood could “potentially” return for India Test series in fourth or fifth Test
It is to be noted that Wood was ruled out for four months, following a knee surgery after England’s exit from Champions Trophy 2025. While he continues his rehabilitation, England selector Luke Wright revealed that Wood has been progressing well and might return for either fourth Test or fifth.
"I think Woody's now started bowling just lightly, to be honest. He's just off a few paces, but that's been a great sign. So, he's on the road to recovery. I think he's more long-term, if we can get him back, he might have an option for the fourth or fifth Test. But again, each day it's ticking off each box and making sure he's OK,” Wright said on Sky Sports.
Wright also shared an update around Jofra Archer’s return. “Joff's trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him, he's playing a few second-team games. The plan is for him to play a few second team games, loading up in the second team for Sussex. And then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test. So, he'll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if all things go well fingers crossed he should be available for the second Test,” he added.
England’s squad for India Tests
Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (capt), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
