Adelaide, Dec 9: England’s Ashes campaign has taken another heavy blow with fast bowler Mark Wood ruled out of the remainder of the tour due to a recurrence of his longstanding knee problem. The 35-year-old will fly home this weekend, ending a comeback that lasted just one Test after eight months on the sidelines.
Wood, who returned in the series opener in Perth following knee surgery, experienced renewed swelling in his left knee and was subsequently unavailable for the second Test in Brisbane. England had initially hoped that intensive treatment would allow him to feature at some stage during the final three matches, but medical assessments have now confirmed that the injury flare-up is more serious than expected.
In an emotional message posted on Instagram, Wood expressed his frustration at the latest setback. He wrote that despite “extensive surgery and months of work and rehab,” his knee had not held up under the demands of Test cricket. He added that he arrived in Australia with ambitions of making a significant contribution and was “desperately disappointed” that another spell of injections and treatment could not repair the damage.The Durham pacer, one of the quickest bowlers in England’s history, insisted this latest blow would not end his fight to return. “Whatever happens I will continue to push the limits to get back again,” he said, urging his teammates to keep believing as England attempt to overturn a 2-0 deficit. “Never give in. Come on England.” (Agencies)
