Mark Wood accepts minimal role in first test between India and England which saw the visitors registering a thrilling Win

England’s fast bowler Mark Wood downplayed his limited role stunning victory of England over India in the first Test, despite bowling just eight overs in the second innings. Wood looked threatning at times but remained wicketless nonetheless in the match.

Ollie Pope’s knock of 196 and a seven-wicket haul from debutant Tom Hartley inspired England to a 28-run win on Sunday, handing India just their fourth defeat in their last 48 home Tests.

Captain Ben Stokes opted for a spin-heavy attack, including four spinners with Wood as the sole fast bowler. The move paid off handsomely, but it meant Wood’s involvement was restricted.

The victory wasn’t easy for England as they were far behind in the game after closing of day 2. Wood who was expected to play key role in case the ball goes on to reverse-swing, couldn’t make any significant impact.

“When we were at the ground, he (Stokes) said probably one or two (overs),” Wood told ESPNcricinfo. “I mean, I thought I may not even open the bowling second innings. But it was like, ‘one over; that’s it.’”

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Wood acknowledged the unusualness of the situation, but expressed unwavering trust in his captain’s judgment.

“Very rarely would you think you’d bowl one over and then be off,” he said. “But weirdly, I trust what he says. One over? Right, okay, I’ll give it everything for this over. And then he said ‘rest’ and I’m not annoyed. Like, I get it, we’re going to spin now. So it’s just a bit different.”

While India’s Jasprit Bumrah picked up six wickets in the match, including a devastating four for 41 in the second innings, Wood remained wicketless after bowling 25 overs across the game.

“Bumrah didn’t do me any favours by bowling like a genius,” Wood said with a laugh. “I’m disappointed that I didn’t get any wickets but not really fussed, because the team played amazing.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the series, Wood believes England’s victory has set the tone for a fascinating contest.

“India have got the potential to produce any wicket here,” he added. “I’ve played in World Cup games and Indian Premier League games where it’s seamed, flat pitches, spinning wickets. The second Test will be a real battle.”

The second Test between India and England starts on February 2 in Visakhapatnam.