Shaun Pollock has applauded England pacer Mark Wood for his heroics with the bat and ball as England kept themselves alive in the five-match Test series by winning the third Test by three wickets as well. The veteran has  Wood’s pace as the ‘X-factor’ for being able to bowl constantly at speeds north of 140kmph as well. He also backed him to go from strength to strength ahead of the fourth Ashes Test as well.

Speaking to AB de Villiers’s YouTube channel on Thursday, July 13, Pollock said: “I think he [Mark Wood] would be jumping to have an opportunity and showed what he is capable of there at Headingley. He’s big and tall, got such good energy. He was coming well rested and now he goes into the next one, I’m sure he’ll play with loads of confidence. One to watch out for.”

The veteran also credited Wood for helping to solve England’s problems from the first two Tests by dismissing the tail quickly as well. He said: “It’s a little bit of X-factor that Mark Wood brings. It was key to how to perform at Headingley and also the way he wrapped up the tail. Those were important things to do as a faster bowler. He did that really well.”

“Having someone who can bowl at 95 mph is amazing. With the bat, he is just a free spirit. Goes back to the clarity. 24 off eight balls was a massive swing in the game. Doesn’t always come off, but gives you a better chance to succeed,” he concluded.