Mark Wood's 2024 ends in September

England's fiery fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a stress fracture in his right elbow.

The devastating injury comes as a massive blow to England's cricket ambitions, as they are gearing up for the busy Test schedule.

Mark Wood, 34, had already been nursing a thigh problem that sidelined him from the final two Tests against Sri Lanka.

However, during what was supposed to be a routine check-up on an old injury after feeling discomfort in the joint, medical scans unveiled the unexpected elbow fracture.

Big blow for England as Mark Wood's injury sidelines him for the rest of 2024

The timing couldn't be worse. England is gearing up for crucial Test tours of Pakistan this October and New Zealand in December. They will play three Tests each on the Pakistan and New Zealand tour.

Mark Wood's absence leaves a gaping hole in the squad, raising urgent questions about who can fill the shoes of one of their most formidable pacers in their pace attack, as he was instrumental in the team's recent successes.

An official statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said that Wood is now setting his sights on a return for the India tour next tour. Furthermore, the ECB stated that Wood will continue to work closely with the medical team on his management and rehabilitation.

The ECB statement reads: “Medical scans have confirmed that Wood has a bone stress injury of the right elbow injury. He had noticed increasing stiffness and discomfort in his elbow during the Test series against the West Indies. As a result, he will miss England's upcoming winter Test tours of Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.

He aims to return to full fitness by early 2025, in time for England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled to begin in February 2025.”

Gutting news 💔

Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the year following a right elbow injury.

Back stronger, Woody 💪

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 6, 2024

See you for some rockets in 2025: Mark Wood

Meanwhile, Wood revealed on Instagram that he and the medical team felt it was a good time to get his elbow checked, as it was a bit irritated after the minor groin injury at Emirates Old Trafford. And unfortunately, go the shocking news.

He said in his long Instagram post, “During what I thought was a routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I've got some bone stress in my right elbow. I will miss the rest of the year, needing time to rest and build up, fully expecting to be back and firing in early 2025.

I have been down this path before and will put in all the hard yards behind the scenes. I am very proud to represent my country, and there is no better feeling. See you for some rockets in 2025!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Wood (@mawood33)

With Wood sidelined, England turned to Olly Stone for last week's Test at Lord's against Sri Lanka. This marked Stone's first appearance in Test cricket since his recovery from back surgery three years ago.

On the other hand, 20-year-old left-arm seamer Josh Hull was handed his debut cap in the ongoing third and final Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval.