ENG vs PAK: Challenge will be to keep those speeds going, says Mark Wood after searing return

PAK vs ENG: Mark Wood made a successful return to international cricket picking up three wickets against Pakistan. The fast bowler's pace was on full show on his return as he touched speeds of 156kmph.

England pacer Mark Wood made a searing return to international cricket, picking up three wickets in the 3rd T20I match of the series vs Pakistan. Playing in Karachi, Wood touched speeds close to 156kmph in the speedometer as he looked to be back at his very best. All three of his wickets came off extra pace, first trapping captain Babar Azam to third man and then picking up the wickets of Haider Ali and Haris Rauf.

Speaking after the game, Wood spoke about his seven-month time-out due to two separate elbow surgeries and then the challenge that remains ahead.

"You tend to be a bit fresh after seven months out," Wood told Sky Sports. "It's been a long time, and I felt very tired at the end. I know it's only a T20, but it's all the intensity of international cricket. But I'll rest up and be good again, hopefully in the future. The challenge now is obviously to back it up. Can I keep those speeds going?" the player said.

The crowd was electric in the National Stadium Karachi as England thumped Pakistan by a massive 63 runs. Harry Brook starred with the bat once again, hitting 81* off just 35 balls.

"It was loud," he said. "They are knowledgeable about their cricket here and very supportive. I don't know if the cheers were for me or Babar or Rizwan, but they played really well the last game, so it was a big wicket to try and get them early doors. Toppers [Topley] bowled a fantastic over before I came on, and that allowed me to try and be a bit more attacking with my bowling," the player said.

Included in the T20 World Cup squad, Mark Wood can turn out to be critical for England if he can choose to remain fit. The player touched upon the subject and said that there was plenty to work on.