England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the entire Ashes after he has been troubled by a side strain and a knee injury. It will be another serious scare for England who is already troubled by the stiffness of James Anderson.
The leading wicket-taker for England in Tests felt tightness in his right calf and had to leave the field after bowling just 4 overs on the opening day of the first Ashes Test. He was taken for further scans and didn’t bowl in the remaining of the day.
Mark Wood was part of the England squad which won the 2019 World Cup. He had an impressive stint with the ball and made a mark as the home team won their first 50 overs World Cup title. During the World Cup he aggravated the injury and as a result, he needs a knee surgery to get his excess cartilage removed.
“Mark Wood has had left knee surgery to address an injury sustained during the ICC Cricket World Cup. He will continue rehabilitation for this and the left side strain that he sustained in the World Cup final,” an ECB statement said on Friday.
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Barring James Anderson and Mark Wood, England also has an extra injury worry in the form of Jofra Archer who rose into the limelight during the 2019 World Cup. He has been released from the first Test squad to take part in a County Championship match against Sussex. If he proves his match fitness, he might be a possibility in the Playing XI of the 2nd Ashes Test.
The opening Test is currently underway and England has their noses slightly ahead after getting off to a good start in their 1st innings. After getting reduced to 122/8, Australia recovered and scored 283 courtesy a sensational 144 from Steve Smith. England are currently on 112/1 with Rory Burns batting on 59 and Joe Root on 34.