England fast bowler Mark Wood has revealed he briefly entertained the idea of driving across Australia—from Perth all the way to Brisbane—after the team’s crushing loss in the first Ashes Test.
The 35-year-old admitted the thought crossed his mind as a way to keep busy and mentally focused during the 12-day gap before the second Test.
A Nervous Flyer’s Unusual Plan
Speaking on the For Love of Cricket podcast, Wood explained his unusual thinking.
Known for his anxiety about flying, the idea of hitting the road seemed like a safer, if extreme, alternative.
“If I could drive across the country I probably would, just to keep my mind going,” he said.
He even investigated routes around the coast after locals warned a straight shot across Australia could be risky.
England Grapples With Perth Collapse
The motivation behind Wood’s daydream was clear.
England had suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat in just two days in Perth.
The tourists were in a commanding position with a lead of 99 at lunch on day two, only to collapse spectacularly, losing 4-11, before Travis Head’s blistering 69-ball century sealed the win for Australia.
Past players and former captains had suggested that England get some game time under their belts before the Brisbane day-night Test, which begins December 4.
Yet the England camp decided none of the Perth XI would travel to Canberra for a two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister’s XI—a move expected to draw criticism.
Inside the Dressing Room
Wood described the mood back in the dressing room as “shellshocked,” capturing the stunned silence following the defeat.
“Some lads choose to sit down, some lads start packing their kit. I sat down for five minutes.
It looks like you’re gazing into space but you’re just thinking in your head,” he said.
Despite the heavy loss, Wood emphasized honesty and reflection as key for the squad.
“When Ben [Stokes] gets back from media duties, we sit in a circle at the end of the dressing room.
Everyone is open. We know this is one of five Tests.
There has to be reflection, but also recognition of what went well and taking that into the next game.”
Looking Ahead to The Gabba
Wood remains optimistic about England’s chances at The Gabba in Brisbane.
He acknowledged the team was hit hard in round one but stressed there are more opportunities to respond.
“We’ve been hit hard in round one but we have more rounds to throw some back,” he said, signaling a mix of resilience and determination ahead of the next encounter.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn