Mark Wood made a spectacular entrance into England’s Test team on Friday (July 19), making an immediate impact in the ongoing second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge.

Despite not being included in England’s squad for the first Test, the right-arm pacer quickly adapted and demonstrated his prowess after recently participating in the T20 World Cup. His absence in the initial match saw James Anderson, Chris Woakes, and Gus Atkinson serving as England’s fast-bowling choices.

Following Anderson’s retirement, Mark Wood earned a swift recall to England’s Test squad for the ongoing second Test and was promptly included in the playing XI. Making a rapid return to red-ball cricket, he consistently clocked all his deliveries above 90 mph in his first over.

Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson had initially opened the bowling for England, sharing the first 9 overs. Captain Ben Stokes then introduced Mark Wood into the attack, where despite not taking a wicket in his initial over, he left a lasting impression on the cricketing world.

Mark Wood’s rapid return:

Mark Wood made a remarkable entrance into England’s Test match, delivering an electrifying first over where each of his six deliveries exceeded 92 mph. The first ball was sent at 93.9 mph, allowing opener Mikyle Louis to score two runs. The following ball blazed in at 96.1 mph, setting a high pace that escalated further to 96.5 mph in subsequent deliveries.

As the over progressed, Wood not only set a new record for the fastest over bowled by an England cricketer at home since records began but swiftly surpassed his own feat in his third over. Every delivery in that over exceeded 93 mph, with one even touching an impressive 97 mph.

Talking about the game, West Indies made a good start with the bat with openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Louis adding 53 runs for the first wicket. Shoaib Bashir broke the stand by dismissing Louis for 21. At the time of writing this report, West Indies were on 74 for 1 in reply to England’s first innings total of 416.