Antigua, March 11: Another injury concern for the England touring team was that pacemaker Mark Wood, who bowled just five overs on the third day of the first Test in Antigua, spent much of the match off the pitch receiving treatment. Earlier, England’s in-form rhythm bowler Ollie Robinson was ruled out of the first test.
Former England captain Mike Atherton has raised concerns about Wood’s elbow injury, comparing the fast bowler to injury-prone colleague Jofra Archer.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Atherton said: “Right elbow for a quick shooter [is] worrisome, he thinks of Jofra Archer. He is not going to bowl again in this game, he would not have thought about it and there must be a doubt for Barbados.
“When you look at the form of England’s attack, it’s the pace that gives them that extra advantage and it’s Mark Wood. Of the three England want (Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and Mark Wood), Mark Wood was the last man standing. And now it looks like he’s injured too, so it’s a blow to England.” Wood’s injury leaves England in a difficult position, with his fast teammate Ollie Robinson also doubtful for the second test after injuring his back in the warm-up match. England, under caretaker manager Paul Collingwood, have not included bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson for the series.