England seamer Mark Wood admits he may be forced under the knife to cure ankle injury
England seamer Mark Wood has conceded that he may need an operation to cure a long-term ankle problem, placing his participation in series against Pakistan and South Africa later this year in doubt.
Wood was hampered by the problem during a laboured display in the second Investec Ashes Test at Lord’s, forcing him to miss the third Test at Edgbaston, and is still to play three consecutive first-class matches in his career.
“Long-term, I think the ankle problem that I’ve got may need some work done to it,” said Wood. “I’ve never had an operation yet but that might be the case. Everyone saw that a Lord’s I struggled a bit so I might have to have that operation done.”
The 25-year-old returned in the last clash at Trent Bridge and claimed the wicket which saw England reclaim the Ashes, although could be dropped should James Anderson pass a fitness test following a side strain.
Australia opener Chris Rogers, meanwhile, has confirmed that he will retire from Test cricket at the end of the Ashes series. The final Test starts at the Kia Oval tomorrow.