sport news Mark Wood has become one of the world's most feared pace bowlers as England ... trends now
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The fact that England gave Mark Wood every chance to prove his fitness on the eve of the World Cup final tells you everything about his current standing as the global scene’s most feared man.
In Wood, England not only possess the fast bowler to have hit top speed at the tournament but someone who has consistently been faster.
Yes, others have produced similar levels of pace at times but they have been unable to sustain it like the 32-year-old, who has neglected the opportunity to go up and down the gears, opting instead to operate exclusively in sixth.
England's Mark Wood will be hoping to feature in England's T20 World Cup final on Sunday
Wood (right) has cemented his status as one of the world's most dangerous fast bowlers
Indeed, to emphasise his premier status, six of the quickest 10 balls by anyone have been released from Wood’s grasp and at the point he registered his 30th delivery of 93.2 miles per hour (150 kilometres per hour) or more, his nearest rival was still in single figures. His average speed is 92mph.
It appeared his contribution to England’s quest to become the first team to hold both white-ball World Cup titles simultaneously had run its course when a hip injury ruled him out of the landslide semi-final win over India on Thursday.
But he left the pre-toss call on his participation against Pakistan at the MCG down to the England management after bowling with no issues in the nets yesterday. Privately last night, he was telling people he’d had a good day and it was now down to a matter of selection.
