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England fast bowler Mark Wood has revealed the “bad news” that he will miss the rest of the year with a recurrence of his long-standing elbow problems.
Wood, one of the world’s fastest bowlers and a key part of England’s Test plans as they prepare for next winter’s Ashes, has been sidelined with a “bone stress injury”.
The 34-year-old began feeling pain during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford last month and then suffered a thigh injury in the same match.
After being ruled out of the rest of the series, he was examined by specialists who discovered a more serious problem than expected. He will begin a long period of inactivity that will rule him out of the winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.
“During what I thought was a routine check-up on a previously problematic elbow, I was shocked to learn that I had some bone tension in my right elbow,” he wrote on Instagram.
“The medical team and I thought it was a good time to have a look at my elbow because it was a little irritated. I would say it was just the normal little problems that any fast bowler faces and that I had to deal with while playing.
“I am working very hard to improve my fitness, putting in extra effort with the coaches and physiotherapists, which makes it even more disappointing. I will miss the rest of the year, I need time to rest and strengthen, but I expect to be back and in top form in early 2025.
“I’ve already come this far and I’m going to put in all the effort I can. I’m very proud to represent my country and there’s no better feeling. See you for some rockets in 2025!”
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the news shortly afterwards, adding: “Wood will continue to work closely with the ECB medical team on his management and rehabilitation.
“He aims to be back to full fitness by early 2025, in time for England’s tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which are scheduled to begin in February 2025.”
