Mark Wood ruled out of Sri Lanka Test tour with left side strain
Mark Wood has been ruled out of the Test tour of Sri Lanka with a left side strain.
The Durham bowler felt discomfort in his side during the tour to South Africa but was able to continue on with a view to assessment when he returned home. Following several scans in London, a small tear to his left side was confirmed. As such, the decision was made to remove him from the touring party.
It is a blow considering just how good – and quick – the 30-year old was against the Proteas as England sealed a fine 3-1 off the back of his searing spells, and the odd six. He took 12 wickets at 13.58, including a second career five-wicket haul, and contributed 95 runs at an average of 47.50.
Thankfully for the Ashington quick, who has 15 Test caps to his name, the issue is not as serious as first feared.
There was a chance Wood would go on the tour and continue his recovery in Sri Lanka, where England will play warm-up matches before two Tests. But the wise choice was taken to not bring him back too quickly – an issue that has arisen in the past – and instead he will spend time rehabilitating at home with England and Durham medical teams.
Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood will replace Wood in the squad. The 23-year old has represented England in one ODI and three T20is and, while part of the Test squad that toured New Zealand at the end of 2019, has yet to make an appearance in the longest format. His first class record is just 24 matches long, with 23 wickets at 28.90.
