The England cricket team has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their upcoming series against Pakistan, with fast bowler Mark Wood sidelined due to a severe elbow injury. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for the rest of the year.
Mark Wood, known for his blistering pace and vital role in England's bowling attack, will be unavailable for England's much-anticipated Test series against Pakistan and New Zealand after his medical tests found a “bone stress injury of the right elbow”.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Wood's injury will require an extended period of rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out of all cricketing activities until next year.
The timing of Wood's injury is a major setback for England, as they prepare to face Pakistan in a crucial series. His absence leaves a significant gap in the bowling lineup, and the team will need to find a suitable replacement to fill his shoes.
Despite the setback, the ECB remains optimistic that Mark Wood will recover in time for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. The board has expressed confidence in his rehabilitation process and expects him to be fully fit and ready to contribute to England’s campaign in the tournament.
Wood has missed the last two matches of the summer due to a thigh injury sustained during the first game of the series against Sri Lanka. However, he had already been dealing with stiffness and discomfort in his arm, a problem that first emerged during July’s three-match series against the West Indies.
The 34-year-old fast bowler has a history of injuries to the same elbow, which required surgery in 2022. Despite the recurring issue, Wood is hopeful that surgery will not be necessary this time.
He aims to regain fitness in time for the white-ball tour of India in January and February, which will be England’s first under the leadership of Brendon McCullum in the limited-overs format. He also hopes to be fit for the Champions Trophy, currently scheduled to take place in Pakistan, following the India tour.
