Mark Butcher issues warning over Mark Wood's heavy workload against Sri Lanka

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has sounded the alarm over a looming crisis for England's Test squad regarding Mark Wood as they kicked off their three-match Test series with a domination against Sri Lanka in Manchester on Wednesday, August 21.

The spotlight is firmly on Wood, as the star seamer’s workload is a major issue for the England cricket team, with Butcher threatening both his fitness and England's chances in the upcoming Tests. Wood, a key bowler in England's seam attack, is no stranger to injury woes.

Mark Butcher issues stark warning on Mark Wood’s fitness

His career has been marred by a series of physical setbacks, and Butcher fears that the ongoing Home Test series could exacerbate these issues. The former left-hander has further pointed out the fast bowler's left knee injury earlier this year, combined with his recent struggles with fatigue and cramps, which paints a troubling picture for his role in the team.

The concern is enlarged by the absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder and the relatively inexperienced bowling attack featuring Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts. Butcher said that if Sri Lanka's batting lineup offers stiff resistance, Wood may be burdened by the responsibility, raising fears of overwork and further injury to the star pacer.

Despite Butcher's commendable comeback against the West Indies, the physical toll on Wood is evident, and Butcher stresses the need for careful management of his workload. England's lack of a dedicated seam-bowling all-rounder and the absence of Ben Stokes, who has been sidelined for the whole summer with a hamstring injury, put even more pressure on Wood.

Given that, the former England batter said that the national Test team may be forced to lean heavily on Wood, risking his health and performance throughout the ongoing three-match Test series against England. The well-known commentator feels England’s success against Sri Lanka could hinge on how well they handle Wood’s demanding role.

Mark Wood could end up doing too much work in one Test match: Mark Butcher

Mark Butcher said on Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast as quoted by Wisden: “Regardless of whether they go with the extra all-rounder, the thing that worries me is Mark Wood. Don't want to see him injured, don't want to see him having to do too much work. He could end up doing too much work in one Test match is what I'm saying.”

Mark Butcher added, “Given that England will have that one less seam bowler, and I know that Stokes doesn't bowl a massive amount anyway but when he does, he'll bowl a session for you which could be the difference between a fit Mark Wood at the end of it or a broken Mark Wood at the end of it and that's the one thing I'm thinking is something that leaves the attack exposed.”

Notably, Wood bowled only four of England’s 30 overs so far in the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Manchester on Wednesday. The England star conceded only 13 runs and dismissed Kusal Mendis in the Manchester Test against Sri Lanka. Chris Woakes scalped three wickets so far in the first Test.