Wed Sep 25 02:47:12 UTC 2024: ## England’s Wood sidelined with elbow injury, told to use left hand for everything
**LONDON -** England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the remainder of 2024 after being diagnosed with a bone stress injury in his right elbow. The 34-year-old, who had elbow surgery in 2022, was initially sidelined with a groin injury sustained during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. However, scans revealed the concerning elbow issue, forcing him to withdraw from England’s upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.
Wood has been advised by doctors to refrain from using his right arm for even the simplest tasks, including picking up his children. “I have to do everything with my left,” he revealed.
The injury, discovered during a scan for his groin, comes at a difficult time for Wood, who has been a pivotal figure in England’s bowling attack. His ability to consistently bowl at extreme pace is seen as crucial to England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes in Australia in 2025-26.
“It was a bizarre injury,” Wood explained. “I had a bit of a groin tweak and went for a scan with a stiff elbow, which is not uncommon for a fast bowler. I was thinking I might need an injection.” However, the scan revealed a more serious issue, with doctors expressing concerns about a potential stress fracture.
Wood, known for his battling spirit, is currently focusing on rest and recovery. “There is nothing I can really do on my right side,” he admitted. He will undergo further assessments in the coming days to determine the full extent of the injury and potential treatment options.
His absence is a significant blow for England, who will be hoping for Wood’s return in time for key engagements, including the Ashes campaign. The focus now will be on his rehabilitation and potential return to full fitness.
First Piper 