England speedster Mark Wood ruled out of cricket for 4 months after knee surgery

Mark Wood, one of the current fastest bowlers, is set to miss four months of cricket after undergoing a knee ligament surgery. Wood last played in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. The fast bowler experienced “locking” in his knee while bowling against the Afghani batsmen. He could only bowl 8 overs in the match that England lost.

Wood’s long association with injuries

The England fast bowler’s career has been marred by injuries since his debut in 2015.  The 35-year-old has played only 37 Tests and 70 ODIs while featuring in 38 T20Is over his career spanning a decade. Wood has been facing issues in his left knee for some time, playing with a heavily strapped knee since the start of 2024. He even suffered an elbow stress fracture in August last year, due to which he had to remain out of action for the rest of the year. Wood has undergone eight operations in his career, significantly curtailing his career.

Wood likely to miss the series against India

With Wood set to be out of action for 4 months, he is unlikely to feature in the upcoming India tour of England. The 5-Test match series will start on June 20, just 3 months from now. However, if he recovers on time, Wood might still be able to play the last match of the series at the Kennington Oval which starts on July 31. Wood’s exclusion from the series will be a major blow to the England side as he has proved to be a vital player for the team bowling out batting lineups with his thunderbolts. 

England eyeing the Ashes

England’s major focus would, however, be the Ashes down under against Australia at the end of the year. Suffering a 4-0 loss in their last tour of Australia, the Ben Stokes-led side will be looking to settle scores this time with a battery of pace bowlers including Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse. Wood is going to be the most important element of the attack with his experience and skill. England will hope that Wood remains fit and at his peak for the upcoming tours.

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