Be wary of Wood, Colingwood warns Pakistan

SOUTHAMPTON, England: Former England captain  Paul Collingwood has warned Pakistan to be wary of tearaway England pacer Mark Wood in the One-day International series which gets under way here from Wednesday (tomorrow).

Collingwood, also Durham captain, stressed that Wood is more than ready for the five-match series after regaining full fitness.

Wood has not played international cricket since returning home from the tour of the United Arab Emirates last October with an ankle injury.

“He gave us a chance to get there and actually lift that trophy,” said Collingwood.

“He’s ideal for this form of the game because he knows he’s only got four overs to bowl and he’s going to try and bowl every single one at full tilt, so he’s not worrying about second spells and third spells.”

While Wood is likely to feature in the first of five ODIs against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday, Collingwood believes there is work to be done if he is to return to the Test arena this winter.

“In white-ball he’s ready because he doesn’t have to come back for second or third spells,” he added.

“He bowled 20-odd overs against Middlesex last week in a four-day game and I’d say his body is still getting used to spells like that, but he’s going to cause a lot of problems with the white ball that’s for sure.”