No horsing around for England prospect

There's definitely something different about Durham quick Mark Wood. But it's the similarities to a past Ashes tormentor that will have the Australian brain trust keeping a close eye on the uncapped 25 year old ahead of a potential debut against the West Indies this month.

Wood is one of five specialist quicks England will take with them on their tour to the West Indies in April and May – perennials James Anderson and Stuart Broad to be joined by Liam Plunkett and Chris Jordan as well as Wood.

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With the start of England's series against New Zealand kicking off just 16 days after the second and final Test in the Caribbean, and the first Test against Australia following the Black Caps series, the tour is shaping as an Ashes audition for those players on the fringe of selection.

At just 180cm, Wood is far from your typical bash-and-crash speedster, favouring the subtle art reverse swing over raw pace and bounce.

Those attributes have seen him compared to former England quick Simon Jones – a bowler whose ability to move the ball in the air upset a dominant Australia outfit in 2005 to the tune of 18 wickets at 21 and helped the home side to an unexpected Ashes victory.

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Despite such lofty praise, Wood says he isn't focused on reaching the high-velocity marks that helped reclaim the urn 10 years previous.

"I can hit 90mph but it's not something I tend to concentrate on," Wood said after he was named in England's Test squad.

"The quickest ball I have been clocked at on the telly was 91mph (146kph) but I am sure I can bowl quicker than that.

"When I bowl I am not just trying to blast people out, I would like to think that being the slight lad that I am with a short run-up, it is more the surprise element that gets batters in trouble.

"I tend to rush them a little bit but would like to think I have more skills than just raw pace."

A disregard for speed guns is not the only thing separating Wood from his fellow quicks however.

At risk of taking the "horses for courses" mantra a shade too literally, Wood has offered a bizarre insight into what helps him keep concentration during the long days in the outfield – an imaginary horse.

"There are times when it gets boring in the field, so I bring out the imaginary horse and try to joust my team-mates," Wood told the Guardian, with a straight face.

"I don't know how the England boys will take it, but I'll have a go. I like to have a trot and feed him apples – he loves Granny Smiths.

"Sometimes it's just the pick-me-up the lads need.

"The horse will probably come with me to the Caribbean if he gets through immigration.

"If they don't like it then I can just tie him up and leave him somewhere."

Whether Wood proves to be a fast-bowling thoroughbred at Test level, or is quickly put out to pasture before the Aussies arrive, only time will tell.