Mark Wood ruled out of IND vs ENG Tests; replacement finalized

England fast bowler Mark Wood had been aiming to return for the fifth and final Test of the ongoing series against Shubman Gill-led India. However, the Ben Stokes-led team’s plans have been impacted, as he has not recovered in time to be available for selection for the last Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Mark Wood has been sidelined with a knee injury sustained during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where England exited in the group stage. During his radio commentary duties in the series opener in Leeds, Wood had expressed hope of returning for the final Test at The Oval, starting on July 31.

England Name Playing XI for 4th Test in Manchester; Leave Out Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson

England have named their playing XI for the fourth Test against India, set to begin on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford in Manchester. The hosts, who lead the series 2-1, have made one change from the previous game, recalling Liam Dawson, who is set to play his first Test in eight years.

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Dawson replaces the injured Shoaib Bashir for the upcoming match. Chris Woakes has retained his place in the side ahead of Gus Atkinson, who is still regaining match fitness following a hamstring injury.

Atkinson has only featured in club-level cricket over the past two months, while Woakes has an impressive Test record at Old Trafford, averaging 37 with the bat and 17 with the ball.

Mark Wood Ruled Out of Fifth Test vs India

According to a report by The Telegraph, Mark Wood has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India. With the Ashes tour set to be played later this year, England are taking a cautious approach to manage Wood’s knee injury. Olly Stone is already sidelined for the season with a knee issue.

Mark Wood has expressed his eagerness to be part of the Ashes squad as England look to secure their first series win in Australia since 2010/11.

The fast bowler has taken 119 wickets from 37 Tests at an average of 30.42, including five five-wicket hauls. However, his record against India has been less impressive, with only nine wickets in four matches at an average of 50.33.

England Lead India 2-1 Ahead of Crucial Fourth Test in Manchester

The Test series between England and India is at 2-1 in favor of the hosts after three matches. England opened with a thrilling win at Headingley, chasing down 371 in the fourth innings - the tenth-highest successful chase in Test history.

India bounced back with an incredible effort at Edgbaston, securing a 336-run victory - their biggest overseas win by runs and first-ever Test triumph at the venue.

However, India faltered again in the third Test at Lord’s, falling short in a 193-run chase and losing by 22 runs despite being in a strong position.

Shubman Gill’s side will aim to bounce back at a ground where they’ve never tasted success. India have lost five and drawn four Tests at Old Trafford, which makes the task of leveling the series a tough one.

Also read: Harry Brook claims England enjoyed sledging India; Mohammed Siraj slaps back openly