England v Pakistan: Jofra Archer and Mark Wood bring ‘excitement’ before T20 World Cup

Wood had not played since the final day of England’s Test tour in India on 9 March. His last T20 was in April 2023.

But, albeit against a disappointingly poor Pakistan, he returned impressive figures of 2-35, averaged 91mph and twice hit 96mph.

He produced a brutal bouncer to have Azam Khan caught behind and another fierce short ball was later fended to Jos Buttler by Naseem Shah.

“It was a bit frantic, it was my first game back in a while and it wasn’t till after the first couple of overs I felt I was back into it,” Wood said afterwards.

“I was pleased with the wicket. That settles you into the game.”

Wood and Archer were England’s leading wicket-takers in their 2019 World Cup win but have only played together sporadically since because of injury.

The fourth T20 against Pakistan was their first appearance together at home since a one-day international against Australia in the Covid-19 bubble in 2020.

“There is a question of whether or not me and Jofra could play together,” said Wood when asked about the prospect of the pair reuniting on the slower pitches of the Caribbean.

“We’ve had success before and I don’t see why we can’t do it again.”