A key feature in England’s limited-overs setup, Wood was one of the unsung heroes of his team’s World Cup-winning campaign last year, where he bagged 18 wickets at 25.72. However, a side strain and a subsequent knee surgery has kept him out of the international setup after that epic World Cup final at Lord’s.

Now with James Anderson ruled out with injury, there is one spot vacant in the Test squad and Wood is hoping for a crack in the third Test against South Africa. Wood’s last Test appearance dates back to February 2019; the third Test of the West Indies tour in St. Lucia, where his five-for in the first innings – a result of his blinding speed as much as anything else – powered England to a consolation win after successive defeats.

He also quite fancies the idea of him and Jofra Archer operating in tandem, an exciting prospect and one that ignites a friendly rivalry.

“I have felt that if I get fit then there’s no reason why I can’t do that again. The St Lucia Test is lodged in my mind as one of the best days I’ve had. If I can replicate that I’ll be pretty happy.

“It’s not just potential now. I know I can perform. I know now I can deliver if called upon.”