Injured Mark Wood out of action for rest of 2024
England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the remainder of 2024 due to a bone-stress injury in his right elbow. This development means he will not be available for England's upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the 34-year-old player had been experiencing increasing stiffness and discomfort in his elbow during the two-match Test series against West Indies.
Wood's injury discovered during routine scan
Wood disclosed the severity of his injury in an Instagram post. He had initially gone for what he believed to be a routine elbow scan when the extent of the damage was revealed. "During what I thought was a routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I've got some bone stress in my right elbow," Wood shared on social media.
Wood's previous injury and recovery progress
Prior to his elbow injury, Wood had sustained a right thigh injury during the first Test against Sri Lanka. The ECB has confirmed that he is making good progress in his recovery from this initial setback. However, it was after this minor groin injury at Emirates Old Trafford that Wood and the medical team decided to examine his elbow, which had been causing some irritation.
Wood expresses disappointment, remains hopeful for 2025 return
Despite the setback, Wood remains optimistic about his return to cricket in early 2025. "I will miss the rest of the year needing time to rest and build up, fully expecting to be back and firing in early 2025," he stated. In his absence, Olly Stone played for England in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's while Josh Hull made his debut in The Oval Test.
Will Wood feature in the Champions Trophy
Wood's unavailability will be a major setback for England, especially considering his ability to generate extreme pace and bounce. As Wood and ECB are optimistic about him getting back in action in early 2025, he should be available for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is currently slated to take place in Pakistan in Februrary. Notably, the Champions Trophy is still elusive for the Brits.
