ENG vs IND: Mark Wood to miss third Test due to shoulder injury

Ahead of the third Test in Headingley, England have been jolted by a massive injury blow as pacer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the game. Wood fell awkwardly on his shoulder in an attempt to stop the boundary from Rishabh Pant in the 74th over of India’s second inning. He went off the field and was seen heavily taped around the shoulder. After not returning to play on Day 4, Wood came out on Day 5 and bowled a short spell of 4 overs. However, he was in quite a discomfort. Adding injuries to woes, he once again landed on his shoulders while bowling. Wood will continue to remain with the squad in Leeds and a decision on his availability for the fourth and fifth Test will be taken after the Leeds Test.

“He will remain with the squad in Leeds and will continue his rehab with the England medical team,” ECB said in a statement.

Wood’s injury comes as a major blow to England who are already without the services of Stuart Board, who picked up a calf injury in the build-up to the second Test and was ruled out of the entire series. Other pacers, Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes also missed the series due to injuries.

England have named pacer Saqib Mahmood in the squad for the third Test. Saqib had an impressive limited-overs series against Pakistan and can swing the ball both ways at pace. The hosts also have an option of Craig Overton. With Wood out, England will have to play one between Overton and Saqib in the Leeds Test. Meanwhile, they will have to make few changes in the batting lineup as well with Dawid Malan and Daniel Lawrence likely to be drafted into the side.