ENG vs IND: Mark Wood ruled out of the third Test due to shoulder injury

England pacer Mark Wood has joined the ever-increasing injury list of the pace bowlers. The hosts are already 1-0 down after two Tests in the five-match series and will miss the fiery fast bowler Wood due to shoulder injury that he had sustained during the Lord’s Test. England head coach Chris Silverwood had kept him in the squad hoping that the pacer will get fit in time as there was a long gap.

The medical team of England was closely observing Wood’s progress and has determined that he won’t be recovering in time for the third Test. He sustained the injury during the fourth day’s play after falling awkwardly on his shoulder and might have worsened it after bowling the next day as England looked to wrap up India’s tail. Instead, Wood ended up diving on his shoulder again while trying to stop the ball off his own bowling.

ECB confirmed in a statement that Mark Wood will miss the third Test at Headingley due to ‘jarred right shoulder’. “He will remain with the squad in Leeds and will continue his rehab with the England medical team,” ECB said in a statement. The 31-year-old will next be assessed at the end of the third Test.

Who will replace Mark Wood in the XI?

England are already struggling with the likes of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad missing this Test series. Even Chris Woakes is still recovering from injury and his return date is not certain yet. England have Saqib Mahmood and Craig Overton in the squad already and one of them will definitely get a chance in the third Test now.

Mahmood impressed during the ODI series against Pakistan and also did well in the subsequent T20Is against the same team. His pace and ability to swing could give England a good option while Overton has played Tests for England before. It remains to be seen who gets an opportunity as the hosts are desperate to level the series after a tough loss at Lord’s.