England’s Fast Bowler Mark Wood Out for the Rest of the Year
Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, has been ruled out for the rest of the year due to a bone-stress injury to his right elbow. The 32-year-old was withdrawn from the ongoing Sri Lanka series as a precaution after suffering a right thigh strain during the first Test at Old Trafford.
Despite his initial hopes that the injury was minor, further examination revealed bone stress in his elbow, which will require him to miss England’s final six Tests of the year. Wood’s absence is a significant blow to England’s bowling attack, particularly with the upcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.
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Wood’s injury is a surprise given his impressive form in recent matches, including his electrifying performance against West Indies at Trent Bridge, where he reached a top speed of 97.1mph. He will continue to work closely with England’s medical team in the meantime, aiming to return to full fitness by early 2025.
In his absence, Olly Stone has been recalled for the Lord’s Test, while Josh Hull, a 20-year-old left-arm seamer, made his debut in the ongoing third Test at The Oval. Wood’s fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to action, with the fast bowler promising to “put in all the hard yards behind the scenes” to ensure he is back and firing in 2025.
James Anderson Continues as England’s Bowling Consultant
James Anderson will continue as England’s bowling consultant for their upcoming winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. The 42-year-old former fast bowler has been working in the role since retiring in June, initially on a short-term basis.
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However, both Anderson and England’s management have agreed to extend his contract through to the end of the year. Anderson’s expertise will be invaluable to England’s bowling attack, particularly with the team building towards the 2025-26 Ashes.
Anderson’s experience and knowledge have already been evident in his work with Josh Hull, who made his debut in the ongoing third Test at The Oval. Hull has been working closely with Anderson, and Key praised the exposure to someone of Anderson’s caliber. “You feel with Jimmy, for him to be a coach, you make the running with these people,” Key said.
Anderson is also keen to continue playing franchise cricket, although he has not received any offers yet. With no Test cricket scheduled for the first five months of 2025, Anderson may also get the opportunity to work with England’s limited-overs set-up.