WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT?

Chris in new KO

ENGLAND have been rocked by a fresh injury blow to key fast bowler Mark Wood.

The 26-year-old has suffered a recurrence of the left ankle problem he has already had two operations on.

He has been ruled out of the two-Test series against Bangladesh, with England waiting to see if he needs more surgery before deciding on his availability for the matches against India before Christmas.

Jimmy Anderson has also been ruled out of the Bangladesh series following a complication with the shoulder injury he suffered in the summer.

An ECB statement said: “Jimmy Anderson has been withdrawn from the Test squad due to an ongoing injury to his right shoulder.

Stress

“He requires more time to ensure optimal healing of a stress fracture he sustained during the summer.

“Durham seamer Mark Wood has had a recurrence of left ankle symptoms.

“Both players will be reviewed by the ECB’s medical team on a regular basis.

“Middlesex’s Steven Finn is added to the ODI squad. Nottinghamshire’s Jake Ball is added to the Test squad and the selectors will consider a further replacement for the squad at a later date.” Stand-in ® one-day skipper Jos Buttler said: “It’s a worry for the two guys.

“Mark has been struggling with injuries and we all know how vital he is.

“And obviously James Anderson is England’s premier fast bowler. Fingers crossed they get back as soon as possible.”

The announcement came shortly after Wood was named in a 10-man list of players awarded Test central contracts covering the next 12 months.

Eleven one-day deals were also dished out, with greater emphasis given to the limited overs format.