England’s fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of action for the remainder of the year due to a bone stress injury in his right elbow. This unfortunate news comes as a big blow to the England cricket team ahead of their crucial tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the injury through an official press release, stating that the 34-year-old speedster will not be able to participate in these upcoming series.
Wood initially felt discomfort during the Test series against the West Indies and later aggravated his injury during the first Test against Sri Lanka. A scan revealed that he was not only dealing with an elbow injury but also a thigh issue. This dual injury means Wood will be on the sidelines for an extended period.
Expected Return in 2025
The ECB has stated that Wood is currently being monitored by the medical team, and his recovery process has begun. The pacer himself expressed shock at the diagnosis, as he had been playing consistently without realizing the severity of his condition. Wood shared on social media that the bone stress injury was discovered during a routine medical check-up. He mentioned that his groin injury during the Old Trafford Test match against Sri Lanka led to further investigation, revealing the extent of his injuries.
Despite this setback, Wood remains optimistic about making a comeback early in 2025. His absence will undoubtedly be a huge loss for England, particularly in the upcoming series, where his pace and aggression could have made a significant impact.
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A Break for Pakistan
Mark Wood’s absence is seen as a big relief for Pakistan, who are currently navigating a tough phase in their cricket journey. Pakistan recently faced a historic home series loss to Bangladesh, and before that, England had defeated them in their own backyard in 2022. Wood played a key role in that series, with his outstanding bowling performances troubling the Pakistani batters.
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Wood’s record against Pakistan has been impressive. In 10 innings, he has taken 16 wickets at an average of 25.87, making him one of the most dangerous bowlers against Pakistan after Australia, New Zealand, and the West Indies. With Wood out of the equation, Pakistan can breathe a little easier as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.
England’s tour of Pakistan is scheduled for October, and while the English side remains strong, Wood’s absence could tilt the scales slightly in favor of Pakistan.
