Picture credit: Ashington CC/Twitter

Wood last played recreational cricket in 2012, and has carved out a storied England career since then, including winning the Ashes and the Cricket World Cup. However, with Wood gearing up as he prepares to return for Durham and England, he chose to dip back into playing for his boyhood club.

Ashington, with a population of around 30,000, has a reputation for producing titans of English sport. Along with Wood, Stephen Harmison, another of England’s fastest ever bowlers, also hails from the Northern town, and while he wasn’t playing, his brothers Ben and James both made an appearance. Jackie and Bobby Charlton, who won the football World Cup with England in 1966, were also born there.

Looking forward to having Mark involved tomorrow! https://t.co/HI3HlPBuKT

— Ashington Cricket Club 🌰 (@ashingtoncc_) April 23, 2021

There was also cricketing royalty on the opposite side, with Paul Collingwood, who also boasts an Ashes and world title, lining up for Shotley Bridge. It was Collingwood who had the better of the game. Wood was originally slated to be a batting option only, and made four off seven before being bowled by Christopher Robb. With Shotley Bridge cruising in response, Wood was called on to bowl, and managed four economical overs for 12 runs but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Collingwood bowled nine overs, finishing with figures of 0-40, and made an unbeaten 22-ball 26 as Shotley Bridge secured a six-wicket win. Notable performances came from Shotley Bridge opener Daniel Anderson and Ashington gloveman Jack McCarthy, who both made centuries. Another pro cricketer, Durham’s Matty Potts, was the star with the ball. The former England under-19 quick claimed 3-26 with three maidens to get Shotley Bridge off to a strong start.