England‘s fast bowling line-up has suffered a setback as Mark Wood has been sidelined for the rest of the Test series against Sri Lanka. The team management made the announcement on Sunday after scans revealed a strain in Wood’s right thigh muscle.
The 34-year-old’s career has been plagued by numerous fitness problems, and this latest injury occurred during the third day of the first Test at Old Trafford on Friday.Wood was forced to leave the field after bowling just two deliveries in his 11th over.
Despite his absence on Saturday, England managed to secure a five-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, winning with more than a day to spare. However, there were moments when the team felt the absence of Wood’s unique ability to generate pace on a slow pitch.
Josh Hull, a 20-year-old left-arm fast bowler from Leicestershire, has earned his first call-up to the England senior squad. He will replace the injured Wood for the remaining two Tests against South Africa at Lord’s and The Oval, scheduled to begin on Thursday and September 6, respectively.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches, Hull has been a vital member of Leicestershire’s bowling unit in recent years. He played a crucial role in their 2023 One-Day Cup final victory and recently made his debut for the England Lions, claiming 5 for 74 in a seven-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka earlier this month.
England’s squad already includes another fast bowler in Olly Stone, who was not selected for the match in Manchester. The team will be led by stand-in captain Ollie Pope, as regular skipper Ben Stokes has been sidelined for the series due to a torn hamstring.
The 34-year-old’s career has been plagued by numerous fitness problems, and this latest injury occurred during the third day of the first Test at Old Trafford on Friday.Wood was forced to leave the field after bowling just two deliveries in his 11th over.
Despite his absence on Saturday, England managed to secure a five-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, winning with more than a day to spare. However, there were moments when the team felt the absence of Wood’s unique ability to generate pace on a slow pitch.
Josh Hull, a 20-year-old left-arm fast bowler from Leicestershire, has earned his first call-up to the England senior squad. He will replace the injured Wood for the remaining two Tests against South Africa at Lord’s and The Oval, scheduled to begin on Thursday and September 6, respectively.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches, Hull has been a vital member of Leicestershire’s bowling unit in recent years. He played a crucial role in their 2023 One-Day Cup final victory and recently made his debut for the England Lions, claiming 5 for 74 in a seven-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka earlier this month.
England’s squad already includes another fast bowler in Olly Stone, who was not selected for the match in Manchester. The team will be led by stand-in captain Ollie Pope, as regular skipper Ben Stokes has been sidelined for the series due to a torn hamstring.