Huge setback for England: Mark Wood ruled out of SL Tests, 6ft 7in pacer named replacement

England have announced Mark Wood's replacement for the last two Tests of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka. The right-arm pacer has been ruled out of the remainder of the series owing to a thigh injury.

Mark Wood sustained the injury late on day three of the recently concluded first ENG vs SL Test in Manchester. The tearaway pacer experienced discomfort in his thigh after bowling the second ball of his 11th over. He pulled out of his run-up for the third delivery before leaving the field. Joe Root then replaced him in the attack.

On Saturday (August 24) which was the fourth day of the Test, the ECB stated that the pacer would not take the field. In less than an hour after the play started, Mark Wood left the stadium for a scan. And on Sunday, the ECB revealed the result of the scan.

The ECB stated that the scans have confirmed a right thigh muscle strain. As a result, Mark Wood will not be able to participate in the second and third Tests of the ongoing series.

Mark Wood's replacement for the last two ENG vs SL Tests:

In addition to delivering the status on Mark Wood's fitness, ECB also announced his replacement for the remainder of the series. Leicestershire's 20-year-old left-arm seamer Josh Hull has earned his maiden call-up to replace the fast-bowler in the England squad for the second and third Tests.

Standing at 6ft 7in, Josh Hull caught the eyes last year when he played a big role in Leicestershire's One-Day Cup victory. Earlier this month, he made his debut for the England Lions against the Sri Lankan team. The left-arm pacer made an instant impact by taking five wickets for 74 runs as the Lions won the game by 7 wickets.

Meanwhile, England are leading the series after winning the first Test in Manchester by 5 wickets. The second Test is scheduled to be played from August 29 at Lord's.

England squad:

Ollie Pope (Captain), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes

ENG vs SL Test series schedule:

• 1st Test: England v Sri Lanka, 21-25 August 2024, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester - England won by five wickets
• 2nd Test: England v Sri Lanka, 29 August-2 September 2024, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
• 3rd Test: England v Sri Lanka, 6-10 September 2024, Kia Oval, London