Saturday 23 May 2015 21:31, UK
England fast bowler Mark Wood revealed he has been left with mixed feelings following a rollercoaster start to his Test career in the first Test against New Zealand.
The Durham man was denied his first Test wicket at Lord’s on Friday when he had Martin Guptill caught at first slip, only for replays to show the bowler had overstepped for a no-ball.
But Wood rebounded on Saturday to take three wickets, with Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum his first victim when he miscued a pull to Joe Root at third man.
He finished the day with figures of 3-93 after also dismissing Corey Anderson and Matt Henry, although New Zealand still made 523 and lead England by 60 after the hosts closed on 74-2 in their second innings.
"It was great to pick up that first wicket eventually," Wood said on Sky Sports 2. "Best and worst feeling I've ever had taking that wicket with the no-ball, but it was just nice to get one in the end.
"In training I make a point to not bowl them (no-balls) but in games I creep up, I don't know if it's the adrenaline."
On his dismissal of McCullum, Wood added: "In the years to come I'll tell people it was an absolute jaffer. That was probably more relief to finally get it out the way."
Wood also revealed he sought the advice of mentor and former England seamer Steve Harmison after feeling mentally exhausted by his efforts on Friday.
He said: "I spoke to Stephen Harmison last night and I said to him: 'Look, I've bowled 13 overs and I feel just as tired as if I'd bowled 20-odd in first-class cricket.' The intensity and that was a lot tougher.
"I would say today I got in the battle a little bit more. Yesterday, I was a bit too nervous and tried a bit too hard whereas today I forgot the crowd, forgot the cameras, forgot everything and just ran in and bowled.
"When those nerves had calmed a little bit, I think I showed people what I could do."
England are facing a battle to save the Test, but Wood believes they can turn the tide in their favour if they can gain a 200-run advantage.
"We're 60 runs behind, it's a bit of a cliche but it's an important first hour tomorrow," he said.
"There's a lot of hard work in this game. We've got to play two days' good cricket again to get into this game. If we get a lead of 200 then I would fancy us.
"I thought the way the lads battled was outstanding. The other two lads (Adam Lyth and Gary Ballance) got two pretty decent balls."
Kane Williamson put New Zealand in the ascendancy by completing his century before he was eventually out for 132 after a prolonged stay at the crease.
The 24-year-old already has 10 Test centuries, while he has compiled 443 runs in just two matches this year, yet he was not satisfied to simply get his name on the Lord's honours board.
"It's nice to get your name up there along with a lot of other players, but at the same time I was pretty disappointed to get out at that stage," he said.
Of the match situation, he added: "I think it's important that we're patient and our bowlers stick to their areas.
"There's certainly a little bit in the wicket, if it clouds over tomorrow then hopefully it can make life challenging for the opposition."
Watch live coverage of the fourth day of the first Test between England and New Zealand from 10.30am on Sunday on Sky Sports 2.
