Wood vows short-ball attack on Watson

Shane Watson knows what to expect from England bowler Mark Wood should the pair meet in an Ashes Test this winter, after the bowler revealed his game plan on British radio.

Wood recalled an amusing anecdote from the 2009 Ashes tour when he was a net bowler for the visiting Australians in 2009, where their rivalry was fostered by a presumably giggling Mike Hussey.

"I had a famous incident with (Watson) in the Durham nets," Wood recalled on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I remember Michael Hussey asking me to bounce Watson – to which I wasn't going to say no. I let him have one, he's gloved it, and he didn't give me the best of looks.

"Next ball, Hussey said: "Give it him again", so I've bumped him again, and this time he's absolutely smoked it, picked up the ball, threw it back down the wicket at me, called me a "net hero", and said that he would like to have a go at me.

"Well, he's going to get his chance, so I'd like to have a go at Shane Watson one more time, and let's hope he remembers me, because he's going to get a few more bumpers."

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Watson celebrates a wicket in 2009 at Durham // Getty Images

In the seventh and final ODI on the 2009 tour, played at Durham's Chester-le-Street ground, Watson scored a four-ball duck as England claimed a consolation victory having lost the previous six games. In that match Watson edged seaming delivery from James Anderson to be caught at first slip.

Wood, now 25, was still in his teens and yet to make his first-class debut when the Australians visited in 2009.

He made his Test debut in England's drawn series with New Zealand last month, showing a skiddy style and willingness to work hard on lifeless pitches.

In two Tests he collected nine wickets at 33.22 and an economy rate just a touch over four an over. Known for his fondness of cavorting across the outfield atop his imaginary horse while fielding, Wood is keen to saddle up for another crack at Watson.

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Wood 'rides his horse' at Lord's // Getty Images

"I'd like to think a few of the Australians don't know much about us and aren't looking forward to facing me," Wood said.

"I'll certainly stand up for myself if the Australians have a go. I won't be taking a backward step, but I'll still be trying to have some fun."

"I used to have a medieval joust with my Durham teammate Mark Stoneman. I had to feed my horse, pretend to carry him around and that was the joke."

Quick Single: No horsing around for Wood

While his horsing around might raise eyebrows, Wood, who has been restricted to just 26 first-class matches since his debut in 2011, says his international form should be no surprise.

"I would describe myself as a wicket-taker, a skiddy and athletic bowler," said Wood. "I've accepted the fact I've had injuries because I was developing as a bowler and developing as a bloke.

"I've always been a slight lad and, in the last couple of years, looking after my body has stood me in good stead.

"People might be shocked that I have been picked for England, but I always felt that if I could stay on the park, I would do well."