Speedster Mark Wood gets an injury scare a week ahead of first Test

England’s 28-year-old fast bowler Mark Wood suffered an injury scare a week ahead of his side’s first Test versus India at Edgbaston starting August 1 as he was forced off the field on the opening day of Durham’s County Championship game at Cheltenham.

Wood, who is in a race with Chris Woakes for a place in the playing XI in the first Test, left the field after feeling discomfort in his heel following a six-over opening spell against Gloucestershire, Daily Mail reported. He underwent diagnosis and it was found to be a trapped nerve and although Woods returned to the field later in the day, he did not bowl again. He was expected to make use of his bowling arm on Monday (July 23) if required.

Woods, who made his Test debut against New Zealand at home in 2015, has played 12 matches since then and has 30 wickets in his kitty.

England keeping their fast-bowling options open

Other English bowlers also tried their luck in the county games ahead of the announcement of the hosts’ squad for the opening Test on Thursday, July 26.

Ben Stokes took three for 40 while Woakes went without a single wicket versus Middlesex at Lord’s in Warwickshire’s Division Two fixture. Stuart Broad also remained without luck for Nottinghamshire against Surrey. Veteran bowler Jimmy Anderson took one for 38 at Old Trafford, where he now has an end named after him.

Worcestershire’s Moeen Ali, who lost his place to Jack Leach earlier this year in New Zealand, took three for 56 in the visitors’ total of 324 for nine.

Leach opted over Dominic Bess as Somerset went for one spinner in their game at New Road. England won the ODI series 2-1 against India after losing the first game after the visitors defeated them by the same margin in the T20Is and all eyes are now on how the two teams lock horns over the five-match Test series.

Stay updated on ‘today’s cricket news‘ with CricTracker.com.