Michael Vaughan rates Mark Wood higher than Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer after latest setback

Former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted to the latest setbacks the Test team suffered in the form of the dynamic all-rounder and captain Ben Stokes and star fast bowler Mark Wood. A hamstring injury at The Hundred 2024 ruled Stokes out for the rest of the English summer.

Meanwhile, a right thigh muscle strain has sidelined Mark Wood for the remainder of the ongoing three-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

The England cricket team management on Sunday, August 25, confirmed that the pacer was ruled out of the upcoming two Test matches.

England to miss Mark Wood more than Ben Stokes: Michael Vaughan

Mark Wood, who has faced numerous setbacks throughout his career due to fitness problems, sustained the thigh injury on the third day of England's five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford. He could not return to the field on the fourth day of play.

Reacting to the latest setback, Michael Vaughan believes that Mark Wood's absence would be a greater setback for England than missing Stokes in the final two Tests of the ongoing home series against Sri Lanka. The cricket pundit highlighted that Mark Wood offers something special with his exceptional speed, which even Jofra Archer can't replicate.

Vaughan further noted, “Wood is becoming quite quickly the most important member of this team because he brings something that they haven't got anyone that can bring. Even Jofra Archer can't bowl at this pace. He (Wood) is bowling 95 to 97 miles an hour.”

We saw it this morning when the pitch was flat; there wasn't a great deal there for the spin; there was no lateral movement; they were crying out for Wood. He is not going to play at Lords. He might not be seen again this summer.”

Michael Vaughan urges England to handle Wood with care for long-term success

Vaughan suggests that England should be extremely cautious with Wood's fitness over the next few weeks. He believes that it's crucial to ensure that Wood is in top condition for next year, with an aim to be available for about 60 to 70 percent of the Test matches.

Vaughan believes that if England keeps Wood fit, they have the potential to achieve something remarkable in the format.

Earlier, England captain Ollie Pope gave credit to the bowlers for the way they led from the front, saying everyone likes Joe Root when he's walking on the field and there was always a sense of calmness in the team.

Praising the centurion Jamie Smith, Pope signed off by saying, “He has transformed his form in the Test arena; I couldn't be any happier for him. I enjoyed it on the field, reading the game and finding ways to take 20 wickets. It was tough to bowl on that pitch after 15-20 overs; it was taxing, but that's always going to be the case.”