Mark Wood is ruled OUT for the remainder of England’s Test series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a strained thigh muscle during his side’s victory at Old Trafford
- Mark Wood sustained the injury late on the third day of England’s first Test match
- The 34-year-old was unable to play any further role in the match after that
- His injury will open the door for a call-up for Nottinghamshire’s Olly Stone
England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Sri Lanka through injury, leaving Olly Stone open to a possible return to action.
Wood, 34, suffered the injury late on the third day of his team’s five-wicket win at Old Trafford and was unable to take part in the match. Scans have since confirmed that Wood suffered a strain to his right thigh muscle.
Stone looks set to be the man Wood will deputise for most in the final two games of the series, which resumes on Thursday with the second Test match at Lord’s.
The Nottinghamshire bowler’s career, like Wood’s, has been plagued by injuries, but Stone is highly regarded by England for his ability to bowl consistently in excess of 90mph.
Stone has claimed 10 wickets at an average of 19.4 in his three Tests for England, the last of which was against New Zealand at Edgbaston in 2021.
England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of this summer’s Test series against Sri Lanka
The 34-year-old suffered a pulled leg muscle during England’s opening Test at Old Trafford
His absence has opened the door for Nottinghamshire and London Spirit bowler Olly Stone
Meanwhile, Leicestershire left-hander Josh Hull has been given his first Test match call-up and will replace Wood in the squad for the remainder of the series.
Hull, 20 and 7ft 10in, helped the Foxes to One Day Cup glory last year and claimed five wickets on his debut for the England Lions against Sri Lanka earlier this month.