Why Mark Wood was a stand out figure for England in an Ashes series to forget

It has been another winter of discontent for England in Australia, with the hosts wrapping up a 4-0 series win on Sunday.

England’s batters have been under the spotlight most, with the side failing to register more than 300 runs in any of the 10 innings throughout the series and being bowled out for under 200 on several occasions.

The bowlers needed to work hard to keep their side in the series, but ultimately the lack of runs cost England greatly.

Mark Wood finished as England’s leading wicket taker in the series, claiming 17 wickets in four matches.

His consistent quick bowling helped keep the pressure on Australia when it, at times, looked as though the hosts could bat all day.

The stand out performance from the Ashington-born quick was undoubtedly the second innings in Hobart, a display which helped hold Australia back to a score which looked attainable for England, especially with over two days of the fifth Test still to play.

Wood finished with his career best figures of 6-37, including the wickets of top order batters Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, as he helped his side bowl Australia out for just 155.

Wood could have felt targeted following the first innings in Hobart, where he picked up the unwanted milestone of conceding 100 runs from his bowling, but he battled back well and still picked up three Australian wickets as the hosts reached 303.

In the fourth Test, Wood showed once again how he can be trusted with the bat too.

During the first innings in Sydney, Wood produced a hellish quick fire score of 39 runs from 41 balls, a barnstorming effort which included three sixes.

His contribution was the third highest behind Ben Stokes and centurion Jonny Bairstow.

It was a series to forget for many England players, but Mark Wood will take a lot from the tour which should give him plenty of confidence heading into what promises to be a busy year of Test cricket.