Mark Wood, unfortunately, won’t feature in England’s highly anticipated Test series against India this summer, following a knee operation.
The 35-year-old fast bowler from Durham has had more than his fair share of injuries over his career. His most recent problem cropped up during the disappointing Champions Trophy campaign held in Pakistan last month. Just back on the field after dealing with a stress injury in his elbow, Wood started struggling during England’s loss to Afghanistan.
Despite being in obvious pain, he went back out on the pitch to bowl again, raising concerns that he might have worsened a pre-existing problem. According to the England and Wales Cricket Board, this issue has been troubling him for over a year.
He underwent a specialist consultation which led to his eighth career surgery, revealing significant ligament damage in his left knee. This injury is serious enough to keep him sidelined for at least four months.
Return Plans
Wood is aiming to be back by the end of July, but with England’s final game of the five-match series against India kicking off at the Kia Oval on July 31, his participation seems unlikely. He’s also set to miss six white-ball matches against the West Indies and a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May.
Expressing his disappointment from a hospital bed on Instagram, Wood said, “Having played for England in all forms since last year, it’s tough to be out for so long.” Despite the setback, he’s optimistic about returning stronger, having sorted out his knee issues. He extended his gratitude to the surgeon, medical team, England teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support. “I’m eager to get back and make an impact in what’s going to be a monumental 2025 for the team,” he added.
Valued Contribution
Wood’s ability to bowl at speeds reaching 97mph makes him an invaluable player, especially as England faces numerous challenges this year, such as revitalizing their struggling limited-overs team, going head-to-head with India, and trying to reclaim the Ashes in Australia.
Considering these tasks, the possibility of Wood focusing on Test cricket has become a topic of discussion. Fast bowlers often face injury woes, and with Brydon Carse out due to toe injuries and Jofra Archer being cautiously managed after a string of setbacks, England is keeping a close eye on their pace attack.
Fans have waited eagerly to see Wood and Archer bowl together in Test matches, but the duo has only managed to share the field once, against West Indies in 2020. There’s hope in the air for Nottinghamshire’s Josh Tongue, who missed all of last summer but is on the mend, and Leicestershire’s Josh Hull, who is back after dealing with a quad injury over the winter.
In related news, Rob Key mentioned that Ben Stokes is a contender for England’s white-ball captaincy.
