Mark Wood has played an important role in England’s bowling assault, noted for his ability to bowl at extraordinary speeds on a consistent basis.
Mark Wood, an England fast bowler, has been told not to use his right arm for even the most basic chores, such as scooping up his children, while recovering from a bone stress injury in his right elbow. The 34-year-old will be out for the rest of 2024 due to the injury, but Wood hopes to return early next year. “I’ve been warned not to pick my children up with my right arm. “I have to do everything with my left,” Wood said in an interview with BBC’s Test Match Special.
The ailment was discovered during England’s last Test series against Sri Lanka, when Wood originally complained a groin problem. While receiving tests for the groin injury, concerns regarding his elbow arose, causing him to miss England’s impending winter Test series of Pakistan and New Zealand.
Wood, who underwent elbow surgery in 2022, has been a key player in England’s bowling attack, noted for his ability to bowl at extraordinary speeds on a constant basis—an asset viewed as critical in England’s prospects of recovering the Ashes in Australia in 2025-26.
Wood reflected on his odd injury, saying, “It was a bizarre injury. I had a groin tweak and went in for a scan with a stiff elbow, which is not uncommon for a fast bowler. I was thinking I could require an injection, which would coincide with my groin issue.”
However, the scan turned up something even more troubling. The doctor was concerned about what they noticed in the scan. They stated that I have some bone tension in my elbow. I must have been experimenting with it. They were concerned it would be a stress fracture, but I have to visit a specialist in a few days to find out,” Wood added.The setback has come at a difficult moment for Wood, whose career has been marred by numerous ailments, but he remains one of England’s most potent Test weapons. His absence is a big blow to the team as it prepares for key international matches in 2024 and beyond.
With Wood out, the focus will be on his recovery and probable return to full health. England’s medical staff will keep a careful eye on his progress, hoping that the fast bowler will be able to return in time for crucial matches, such as the 2025-26 Ashes campaign.
Wood is currently focusing on rest and healing, albeit in an unusual way. “There is nothing I can really do on my right side,” he said, navigating daily life with his left hand while waiting for more definitive elbow results.
