Mark Wood | Cricket Outlook

Mark Wood unlikely for IPL 2025 as injuries and ‘daddy duties’ force tough decisions

Aditya Bhagchandani — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:06:30 +0000

Mark Wood, the English pacer known for his blistering speed, is unlikely to feature in the IPL 2025 as injuries and personal responsibilities continue to impact his cricket career. Despite playing just five IPL matches in his career, including a standout performance with 5/14 in his second game, Wood’s time on the field has been plagued by recurring injuries. The 34-year-old is currently recovering from an elbow injury and isn’t expected to play again until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Wood recently shared the toll his injuries have taken, even limiting his ability to enjoy simple pleasures, such as playing with his children. “I’ve been told to stop picking my kids up with my right arm,” he said, highlighting the toll his career has taken on his personal life.

While Wood is under a 3-year ECB contract aimed at preserving his fitness for international cricket, particularly the 2025 Ashes, it also restricts him from participating in lucrative franchise leagues like the IPL. His absence from IPL 2024 without a clear reason also stirred frustration among franchises, and some may be hesitant to bid for him in the future due to concerns over his availability.

With England prioritizing his fitness for the Ashes, Wood faces a difficult path ahead, balancing his international career and the financial lure of franchise cricket.

Mark Wood advised to stop lifting his children with right arm due to elbow injury

Aditya Bhagchandani — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 20:40:50 +0000

England fast bowler Mark Wood is set to discover this week whether he has sustained a stress fracture in his right elbow, which could require surgery. Wood was ruled out for the rest of the year in September after scans revealed a “bone-stress injury” in his elbow.

Initially sidelined due to a groin strain during the first Test against Sri Lanka, further investigation into stiffness in his elbow revealed the more serious injury. While initial scans were optimistic, showing no clear fracture, a specialist appointment this week will provide a definitive answer.

Wood, who bowled consistently in the mid-90s this summer, including a 97.1mph delivery against West Indies, has had previous elbow surgeries in 2022. He shared that doctors have advised him to limit using his right side in daily activities, including picking up his children.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) remains hopeful that surgery won’t be necessary, but the outcome of this week’s assessment will be crucial in determining the next steps for the fast bowler.