Why Is Mark Wood Disappointed About Missing the Ashes?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mark Wood's knee injury has sidelined him from the Ashes series.
- He expressed disappointment at not being able to contribute.
- Matthew Fisher has been called up to replace Wood.
- This injury continues a pattern of fitness struggles for Wood.
- He remains determined to make a comeback in the future.
New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) England fast bowler Mark Wood has shared his sorrow at being sidelined from the Ashes series due to a knee injury sustained during the opening Test in Perth. Wood expressed that he arrived with "high hopes of making a significant impact", but unfortunately, his knee "hasn't held up".
The England cricket board has announced that Wood will return to the UK to "collaborate closely with the ECB medical team on his recovery and rehabilitation". In his place, Matthew Fisher has been added to the squad, having been in Australia with the English Lions.
Wood has had ongoing issues with his left knee, having previously injured it during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. After undergoing surgery, he made his comeback after a nine-month hiatus for the first Test, but reported discomfort during the series opener, managing to bowl just 11 overs. Consequently, he was unable to participate in the second Test in Brisbane, where the hosts took a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-Test series.
"I’m devastated to miss the rest of the Ashes. After extensive surgery and seven grueling months of recovery to return to the Test arena, my knee has not held up," Wood stated on Instagram.
"None of us anticipated this. I came here with high expectations of making a significant impact. I’m incredibly disappointed that despite further injections and intensive medical treatment, the flare-up in my knee is worse than we thought."
"I sincerely apologize for not being able to perform as expected, but I have given it my all. I want to express my gratitude to everyone at home and in Australia. The Barmy Army has been tremendous, and I truly appreciate their support.
"Regardless of what happens, I will continue to strive to return. It has been a challenging journey over the past few months, but I remain determined to make a full comeback. I still believe we can turn things around. Never give up. Come on, England!"
For Wood, this setback marks yet another chapter in a career marred by fitness issues. Before the Test in Perth, he had not participated in red-ball cricket for England in 15 months due to an elbow injury followed by knee surgery.