England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday (December 9). Matthew Fisher, who was with the England Lions, has been added to the squad as a replacement.
Wood’s injury is the latest setback for Ben Stokes and company, who are trailing 0–2 in the five-match series after losing the first two Tests.
The 35-year-old pacer had recovered from a hamstring strain to play his first Test in 15 months, but picked up a left-knee injury in Perth and sat out the second Test. He had been optimistic about playing a part later in the series.
“Wood will return home later this week and work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery,” England Cricket said in a statement.
After spending seven months on the sidelines and working hard on his fitness to play in the Ashes, Wood has once again picked up an injury, as his knee did not hold up.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Gutted to be out of the remainder of the Ashes. After extensive surgery and months of work and rehab to get back into the Test arena, my knee just hasn’t held up.”
Despite having options such as Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, Fisher has been called up to the squad.
Fisher, who has played one Test in his career so far, has taken two wickets in three games for the England Lions since his arrival in Australia.
The third Test begins on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval. It will be a must-win match for England, as defeat would mean losing the series.
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