Mark out to impress
from DEAN WILSON in Colombo
MARK WOOD knows their is no such thing as a dead rubber and is ready to bowl rockets at the Sri Lankans.
The series might be over with England 3-0 up with one to play, but with World Cup spots at a premium paceman Wood needs to remind the selectors what he can do in today’s final match.
With out-and-out pace, Wood has long been touted as the bowler with a real point of difference if he can stay fit, but that has now changed with the emergence of Olly Stone.
There are as many as seven fast bowlers vying for five places in the 15-man squad for next summer, with two of them sewn up by Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett.
And it is Stone’s extra gas that has put Wood on red alert that his World Cup dream could be in tatters unless he shows why he should get the nod.
Lips
“It’s been frustrating because I’ve not played, but I’m going to get a go now, so it’s a chance where I can push my case,” said Wood.
“Some of the net sessions have been pretty hairy as all the bowlers have been charging in.
“With a World Cup round the corner, you do your best now or you’re not going to make it.
“I’m sure Morgie (skipper Eoin Morgan) is licking his lips at the fact that there are these lads charging in at training and everyone is trying to impress him.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have one eye on the World Cup. If I don’t do well here I am one tour away from not making that squad. It just means I’ve got to do the business.”
Jos Buttler is providing some reassurance while Wood admits he has been supporting rival Stone.
He added: “I’m definitely fully behind him. Olly’s a great lad and I like that he bowls rockets. Jos has been great with me. I’ve been bowling lots at him and he was telling me I’m doing the right things. He wants me to be the man who keeps getting the key wicket.”
England have delayed a decision on whether to call up any Test cover for Jonny Bairstow (ankle), with Ben Foakes on standby.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath – the most successful left-armer in Test cricket – will retire after next month’s first Test against England. The 40-year-old has taken 430 wickets in 92 Tests.
SRI LANKA (probable): Dickwella, Samarawickrama, Chandimal, Mendis, De Silva, Shanaka, Perera, Dananjaya, Malinga, Aponso, Rajitha.
ENGLAND (probable): Hales, Roy, Root, Morgan, Stokes, Buttler, Moeen, Plunkett, Rashid, S Curran, Wood.
Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pak), Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SL).
TV: 10am, Sky Sports Main Event.