Blow for England: Mark Wood suffers serious injury in Manchester Test, gets ruled out of....

The England National Cricket Team suffered a major blow during the ongoing first Test match against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. According to ECB, fast bowler Mark Wood will not take the field during the fourth day of the match after suffering an injury during the previous day.

Sri Lanka ended the third day's play with 204 runs for the loss of six wickets in their second innings. The visiting team currently holds a lead of 82 after bowling out England for 358 runs. Mark Wood left the field during his 11th over due to an injury. Wood managed to walk off the field without support.

Earlier on day three, Wood injured Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal with a vicious short ball. Chandimal had to retire hurt with a thumb injury during Sri Lanka's second innings. However, the right-handed batter later returned to bat and is currently unbeaten on 20 runs off 28 deliveries.

Mark Wood Won't Return To The Field - ECB

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) took to X to provide an update on Mark Wood's injury status. The board stated that Wood sustained a right thigh muscle injury and won't return to the field for the fourth day's play. The statement added that England's medical team will continue to assess him.

"Speedy recovery, Woody Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury. He won't return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team," wrote the caption.

Speedy recovery, Woody 🙏

Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury.

He won't return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team. pic.twitter.com/N7IcuzCS4w

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 24, 2024

The 34-year-old pacer has been in outstanding form with the ball in Test cricket this summer. Wood touched a speed of 97.1 mph during the English summer. The right-arm fast bowler has played three Test matches for the England cricket team this season, taking 11 wickets at an impressive average of 22.5.

I Felt Very Relaxed - Jamie Smith

England wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith expressed satisfaction at reaching his maiden Test century. Smith said he felt very relaxed after the milestone and added that he didn't want to show too much emotion.

“It felt really good to come away at that milestone. Your phone, it blows up with people that have either watched it or have played a part in your journey messaging their congratulations,” Smith said.

“I felt very relaxed. I felt like I’ve been playing well the last year or so, the last couple of weeks, especially that I felt comfortable to go out there and just play. I don’t want to show too much, never show too much emotion, it’s all inward and it’s mainly the job to do for the team. Once you reach the moment, it’s back onto what does the team need.”

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