England and Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mark Wood needs to show that he’s among the many finest within the enterprise within the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his disappointing debut within the cash-rich T20 league 5 years in the past.
Wood bowled 4 wicketless overs for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), conceding 49 runs, again in 2018 in his solely IPL match earlier than this season. He is now in search of redemption, having taken eight wickets in LSG’s first two matches to this point.
“I felt like I had a bit of unfinished business, in terms of trying to come here and prove myself on a big stage,” Wood mentioned forward of LSG’s match towards Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.
“I’ve played for England in World Cup finals (50-over and T20 both) but I hadn’t cracked in IPL. So this time, I’m trying my best to prove that I can be in the mix in IPL, with the best players.
“(I will) try to prove a point, that I’m up to this standard.” Wood took 5 for 14 towards Delhi Capitals after which three for 49 in Monday evening’s defeat to CSK.
“I don’t think I was really prepared for CSK at that time. I played one match and I got smashed,” Wood mentioned about his first IPL expertise in 2018.
“I had just come off the back of a Test match tour (in New Zealand) and I hadn’t prepared well. That was my own fault, I went into that game a bit underprepared and didn’t do myself justice.” He was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 7.5 crore within the 2022 public sale, and was then retained for 2023. He missed the final season of IPL as a result of an elbow damage which additionally dominated him out of England’s dwelling worldwide summer time.
“I’m here this year, trying my best to contribute for Lucknow, trying to repay the faith that they’ve shown in me, sticking by me and picking me again,” mentioned the 33-year-old.
“So far, I’ve absolutely loved it. KL Rahul has been brilliant with me. The management have been excellent, keeping my role clear, what they expect.” He mentioned he has been utilizing the expertise of captain KL Rahul to good impact.
“He’s someone from India, he knows the pitches well, (and) he’s a vastly experienced player in these conditions. So (I will) use him and my own knowledge, and try and come up with the best plan on the field for these wickets.
“It’s great to get the wickets. That’s what my role was going to be, coming to LSG.” Woods mentioned he can bowl at a sooner tempo than within the final two matches.
“The ones I’ve seen on TV, I’ve been around that 140-143 (kph) mark, which has been a bit disappointing,” he mentioned.
Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com
.jpg)
