Root welcomes Mark Wood's pace for Ashes

England captain Joe Root is eager to unleash fast bowler Mark Wood's raw pace in their home Ashes series.

Mark Wood

After a five-wicket haul against the Windies, England's Mark Wood might be let loose in the Ashes. (AAP)

England captain Joe Root is excited about the possibility of letting Mark Wood's raw pace loose in the Ashes.

Wood walked away with the man-of-the-match award after England's consolation victory in the third Test against the West Indies in St Lucia, a 232-run hammering that left the hosts with a 2-1 series win.

The seamer took five wickets in the first innings and broke 94 miles an hour (151km) - speeds not seen from an Englishman in at least a decade.

England have just one more Test, against Ireland, before trying to win the urn back from Australia. Root is looking forward to a rejuvenated Wood cause a stir.

"If he's firing fit, then I'm sure it'll make some great TV and it would be great to be part of," said second-innings centurion Root.

"It's great when you see him unleash himself and bowl with that pace and freedom. There's enjoyment too - you always feel you're getting the best out of Woody when he enjoys himself on the field.

"I don't think I've been stood as far back at slip before. I'm trying to nurse a hole in my hand from that first catch I managed to cling on to. We might have to be smart about how we use him - it's a learning curve for me - I am by no means the finished article as captain."

Wood's ferocity in both innings in his first Test in nine months puts him in contention for a home World Cup before the Ashes.

But, having suffered injury layoffs and dips in form before, he was careful not to get ahead of himself.

"It's been a great game and one I'll always remember, but let's see what the future holds," he said.

"Both teams, the Test and ODI, have great players ... it's hard to get in. It will take another good performance to cement my place but I go into the one-day series here with confidence. I didn't think I'd get a day like I did the other day. Plenty of people were pleased for me and I appreciate the support - I had millions of messages."


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Source: AAP


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