Karachi: England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the upcoming series against Pakistan due to an elbow injury which has also ruled him out of the rest of the year.
According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Wood's injury will not only keep him out of the tour of Pakistan but will also rule him out of the series against New Zealand.
The ECB statement said Wood suffered the elbow injury during the series against West Indies, although he continued to play in the subsequent Test match against Sri Lanka.
“I had noticed increasing stiffness and discomfort in my elbow during the Test series against the West Indies earlier in the summer.
He played a full role in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, managing discomfort while bowling. During that Test match, Wood also suffered a right thigh injury, which is being treated and from which he is recovering well.
“Medical scans have confirmed that Wood has a bone stress injury to his right elbow,” the ECB said.
According to the ECB, Mark Wood will miss England's upcoming winter Test tours of Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December and is aiming to return to full fitness in early 2025, in time for England's white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled to begin in February 2025.
The ECB also said Wood's injury is being monitored by specialists and his rehabilitation is ongoing. He will require complete rest and medical attention to ensure he regains full fitness and can return to the team.
