Stokes Hails Mark Wood’s Phenomenal Pace Ahead of Final Test
Stokes, while speaking ahead of England’s third and final home Test against West Indies, asserted that Wood has always something “left in the tank” but was not sure if the pacer is concerned about it.
“I don’t know if he’s too bothered about it,” said Stokes.
“He seems to be getting closer and closer to that (100mph mark), but I’m happy with what he’s doing now, to be honest.
“Being able to sustain that pace is quite phenomenal.
“His average speed every time he plays a Test match is always above 90mph it’s all fine and well trying to bowl one spell above 90 but every spell he bowls for England he’s clocking over 90mph,” added Stokes as he reflected on the sheer physical effort of his county colleague.
Australia’s Mitchell Starc currently holds the record of the fastest delivery ever recorded in Tests at 99.6mph against New Zealand in 2015.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s legend Shoaib Akhtar holds the all-format record when he bowled a 100.2mph thunderbolt against England in an ODI game.
Mark Wood’s Test career has been blighted by injuries but his captain Stokes is delighted with how the pacer is bowling right now.
Wood has the heart of a lion
“You have to hold your hands up and celebrate what we have here,” Stokes said. “He (Wood) has got the heart of a lion. He runs in spell after spell, ball after ball.
“When he bowls the whole game changes. When his name is read out the whole crowd is up, and then when the speeds are on the big screen everyone gets going.
“Woody is always looking up at the screen as well to see what he’s clocking. He knows he’s in the team to not only bowl skilfully but also fast.”
Last week, Wood achieved a unique feat with his searing pace as he bowled the fastest over ever recorded for England at home in Test cricket.
Mark Wood recorded the feat in the second Test of the three-match series between England and West Indies, currently underway at Trent Bridge.
