London, May 20 (TNS): England bowler Mark Wood admits he still has “a lot to prove” at Test level ahead of the two-match series against Pakistan, British media reported on Sunday.
Wood has struggled for consistency since breaking into the Test side in 2015, and has taken only 28 wickets in his 11 matches at an average of 41.82.
The opening Test against Pakistan gets underway at Lord’s on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Main Event, and Wood faces competition from Chris Woakes for a place in the England side.
The Durham bowler admits he is yet to fulfil his potential in the five-day game but is determined to prove his worth, if selected for the first Test.
“I need to get more wickets, I need to be more consistent,” Wood told The Guardian.
“To be honest I’ve got a lot to prove to the selectors, coaches, media, the fans because I’m a guy people probably had high hopes for and I’ve not done it consistently enough.
“An average of 40 is pretty average to be honest and I definitely want to lower that. I’ve got a point to prove to myself that I am good enough to do it at that level. Am I really as good as I think I am?
“Am I as good as the commentators, selectors think I am? Can I live up to that? I’ve got a long way to go.”
Wood is determined to become a consistent bowler in all three forms of the game but admits his biggest aim is to excel at Test level.
“When I was in the back garden as a kid it was never T20 or 50-over, it was Test matches,” said Wood, who recently returned from a spell in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings.
“In my mind all the best players were at Test level and that’s what I wanted to strive to. These days, the 50 and 20-over stuff is a huge part of the game so I’m delighted to be part of such a good team.
“But the pinnacle for me is still trying to get into that Test side and I think I have a real point to prove.”
Courtesy: Sky Sports
