England
pacer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the upcoming third Test against India
with a “jarred right shoulder”. The 31-year-old sustained the injury during the
fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s, as he dived in an attempt to save a
boundary.

There were
concerns over his fitness, despite which he returned to bowl on the final day
of play, with the management hoping he could be cleared for the third Test. However,
the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Wood will not feature at
Headingley. 

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“He will
remain with the squad in Leeds and will continue his rehab with the England
medical team. The 31-year-old will be assessed at the end of this Test match,”
The ECB said in a statement.

This comes
as the latest blow to an already depleted pace attack for the hosts, with Jofra
Archer, Olly Stone, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes also on the injury list while
star all-rounder Ben Stokes is on an indefinite break from cricket to focus on
his mental health.

The hosts will
play the third Test without any of their express pacers, as both Archer and
Stone – who along with Wood are England’s only red-ball options capable of
bowling over 90mph consistently – are recovering from long-term injuries.

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Wood’s fitness
is of particular importance for England in view of the upcoming Ashes series in
Australia later this year.

“He is a
bowler who can hit 90mph-plus, so I’ve got to look after him. Honestly, it’s
massively important that we look after Woody,” head coach Chris Silverwood said
after the Lord’s defeat.

The
46-year-old had said Wood will be given an opportunity to prove his fitness,
saying the medical team was working with him and that he will be accessed when
they get to Leeds.

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But with his
participation being ruled, Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood could be making his
Test debut on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has impressed in the limited-overs
format and was included in the Test squad after Broad’s injury.

The third Test between India and England will begin from Wednesday, August 25. India are currently leading the five-match series 1-0.