England bowler Mark Wood reveals his ‘rehab is going well’ as he returns to the nets and eyes return in fifth Test against India

Mark Wood has revealed he is back bowling in the nets and hopes to make his England return in the fifth Test against India.

The Durham quick had surgery on his injured left knee in March and was expected to miss the entire Test summer.

However, Wood believes he can now be back in time to feature in the final match of the India series, which starts at the Oval on July 31, ahead of the winter Ashes tour.

‘Rehab is going well,’ the 35-year-old told BBC Test Match Special, who he is working for at Headingley.

‘I have just started bowling, very lightly, but I am on the comeback trail now officially.

‘I am hoping still to play a part in this series. I am still targeting maybe the last Test.

‘Anything before that is probably a bit too soon. The last Test I might not get there, but at the minute that is still my focus, that I might play a part.’

Wood’s imminent return is a major boost for England, who hope to have their full battery of fast bowlers fit for Australia.

Jorfa Archer is also expected to play in Sussex’s County Championship match at Durham starting on Sunday, with an eye on making his England comeback in the second or third Test.