According to The Telegraph, England bowler Mark Wood runs the risk of skipping a minimum of three Test matches during the upcoming tour of India. Prior to the second International League T20, which will begin on January 13th 2024, the Durham speedster has agreed to a deal with the Dubai Capitals.
From January 25 to March 12, India will host their coveted five-Test series. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) T20 event, in contrast, will be announced in due time, but it is expected to miss out on a minimum of the first three Tests during the series.
Wood has become one of the most significant match-winners in recent memory despite having no Test appearance on Indian soil. The 33-year-old, who took 8 wickets in 2 Test matches at an average of 20.38 each, was a key contributor to England’s 3-0 series victory in Pakistan last year.
Mark Wood in 2023 for England in Test Cricket
England’s bowling assault significantly improved after Wood was added to the squad for the third Ashes Test at Headingley in Leeds. In the final three games, the speedster played nonstop and claimed 14 wickets at 20.21.
He may have the same speed in India that made an impression during the Ashes series versus Australia. Nevertheless, England will be concerned about the right-arm pacer’s involvement in the IL20 next year as an injury-prone bowler.
After sweeping the initial match in India in 2021, the English team, headed by Joe Root, lost the whole Test series 3-1. Ben Stokes, an all-arounder who took over for Root as skipper last year, will try to make the visitors much more competitive this time.
Mark Wood is already affiliated with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the IPL franchise that paid 7.5 crores for the speedster ahead of the 2022 season. The Durham star has played for LSG in only 4 games thus far, but he has already claimed 11 wickets, notably a four-wicket haul versus the Delhi Capitals.
Fans react to reports of Mark Wood missing part of India tour due to franchise league commitments: –
Mark Wood could miss 3 Test matches in India tour after signing a contract in the ILT20. (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/k9ulBCrPdX
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 21, 2023
England player prefering Franchise over Test matches
That's Surprising— Pandu Raj (@CSKianPanduRaj) August 21, 2023
Lol, BCCI will have a taste of their own medicine.
— The CrickFun (@TheCrickFun) August 21, 2023
Starc>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 21, 2023
England is probably saving mark wood from god of cricket kohli.
— ????????!??_?? (@bholination) August 21, 2023
An aussie would never
— MM10 (@Har_uki_) August 21, 2023
No problem, results will be the same ?
— Manoj Kumar ???? (@manoj_begu) August 21, 2023
Franchise cricket jyada jaruri h ?
— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) August 21, 2023
??????? it’s real , franchise cricket taking over International cricket ?
— User45 (@140off113) August 21, 2023
He knows he can't do anything in India in the heat?
— Sai Krishna? (@SaiKingkohli) August 21, 2023
