England hero Mark Wood proves doubters wrong with effective pacy intent against West Indies

England's Mark Wood celebrates taking the wicket of West Indies' Shai Hope in St. Lucia. Picture: AP/Ricardo Mazalan

MARK WOOD admitted he finally felt worthy of his England shirt after a barnstorming show of pace brought him a career-best haul in St Lucia.

Wood hit the accelerator in a dazzlingly quick spell of bowling on day two of the third Test against the West Indies, inching towards 95mph on the speed gun and wrapping up a maiden five-wicket haul to help dismiss the host for 154.

After a tormented tour of the Caribbean, Wood’s efforts ensured England were the day’s clear winners for the first time since arriving, 142 ahead with their openers 19-0.

The 29-year-old seamer’s ability to hit express speeds has long been known but this was the first time he has channelled his gift to such consistently devastating effect.

England's Mark Wood is embraced by team captain Joe Root as he celebrates taking the wicket of Roston Chase in St. Lucia. Picture: AP/Ricardo Mazalan

His previous 12 Tests, the last of which came in May, included 30 wickets at a disappointing average of 41.73 and had him pondering his own readiness for the top level. Nobody is asking those questions now.

“I’ve had some horrible dark days with injuries and things like confidence and self-belief...I thought in my own mind I was an England player but I hadn’t shown it,” he said.