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Mark Wood has denied England were sidetracked by contract negotiations at the World Cup but admitted performances need to improve to live up to the new terms.<\/p>\n
The England and Wales Cricket Board has revamped its central contract system in a bid to ward off the growing threat from T20 franchises, handing out long-term deals for the first time in addition to the usual annual extensions.<\/p>\n
Wood was one of three players to sign a lucrative three-year term, having previously admitted that a huge offer to play in the United Arab Emirates was testing his resolve, with Joe Root and Harry Brook following suit.<\/p>\n
The ECB hoped to have agreements in place before the tournament in India but, while some were finalised swiftly, others dragged on into the campaign and the announcement was finally made last week.<\/p>\n
If we’re trying to look for excuses, I think players need to look at themselves a little bit more, me included.<\/p>\n
By then England had already played four times, losing three, and things have continued to veer off course, leaving the defending champions rock bottom in 10th place after six rounds.<\/p>\n
Wood does not believe the two issues are linked but acknowledges the timing of England\u2019s unexpected dip in results has not been helpful.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think they were a distraction, no,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we\u2019re trying to look for excuses, I think players need to look at themselves a little bit more, me included.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we\u2019ve not lived up to that reward of the contract. I can understand people\u2019s frustration. I would totally get that.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously when lads are rewarded with things and then they don\u2019t perform at the level that you think, that\u2019s justified. But it\u2019s not through lack of trying. We are trying our hardest to get this right.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no cracks in the group. There\u2019s no falling out. Everyone is generally trying to do it for each other. We believe in each other. It\u2019s just not happening the way we want.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wood was honest about his own status, insisting that turning out for his country remained his primary motivation while acknowledging the financial muscle being flexed by franchise owners.<\/p>\n
At 33, and with a long history of fitness issues behind him, he sought security and was pleased to see the ECB provide it.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy motivation has always been to play for England. That was always what I\u2019ve wanted to do as a kid growing up. That\u2019s the pinnacle for me, so I\u2019m delighted with the deal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had some positive conversation with (ECB managing director of men\u2019s cricket) Rob Key, to see if he wanted me to stay in the team or what he envisioned for me going forward with England.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said that I was part of the plans and I\u2019m obviously delighted to have signed three years. It gives me security for me and my family.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I would definitely have had to consider (franchise offers), which is why I had lots of conversations with Keysy behind the scenes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an injury-prone lad, if I ever have trouble, I\u2019ll be well looked after by England physios.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re effectively self-employed, you go to these teams and say \u2018Who wants me?\u2019. But if I have a bad season or you get a bad injury, who then looks after you? So now I\u2019m looked after by England and employed by England.\u201d<\/p>\n
England\u2019s next match sees them take on Australia in Ahmedabad on Saturday, a renewal of hostilities between the old rivals after a tense Ashes summer.<\/p>\n
Wood excelled for England in the series, helping inspire his side to a 2-2 draw after coming into the side 2-0 down.<\/p>\n