Mark Wood to undergo fitness test ahead of West Indies fixture

Mark Wood, who bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament at 154kmph, complained of discomfort in his left ankle after England's game against Bangladesh last Saturday.

Published : Jun 13, 2019 19:11 IST , Southampton

If Mark Wood misses out, it would be a blow to England as the West Indies batsmen found it difficult to play him during the bilateral series in the Caribbean in February.
If Mark Wood misses out, it would be a blow to England as the West Indies batsmen found it difficult to play him during the bilateral series in the Caribbean in February.
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If Mark Wood misses out, it would be a blow to England as the West Indies batsmen found it difficult to play him during the bilateral series in the Caribbean in February.

England fast bowler Mark Wood is a doubtful starter for his team's World Cup league fixture against West Indies on Friday due to an ankle injury. England captain, Eoin Morgan, said the 29-year-old seamer will undergo a fitness test on the morning of the match.

Wood, who bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament at 154kmph, complained of discomfort in his left ankle after England's game against Bangladesh last Saturday.

“His ankle is swollen,” Morgan said.

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“He has not bowled for two days so we will see how he is, if he is sore then we may not take the risk,” the England captain added.

Morgan confirmed that off-spinner Moeen Ali, who was away for the birth of his daughter, Haadiya, earlier this week, will be available for the match. Even Jos Buttler, who had a bruised hip, is available for selection for the match against West Indies. “Jos is fully fit,” Morgan said.

If Wood misses out, it would be a blow to England as the West Indies batsmen found it difficult to play him during the bilateral series in the Caribbean in February.

Another worrying factor for the host is that it has been raining in Southampton for the last couple of days and it has also raised doubts on whether a 50-over match will be possible on Friday.

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However, Morgan dismissed any talk on rain playing a major role in deciding the semifinalists. “I don't think the rain will be the reason if we don't make the semifinals. I think today's probably the last of the significant rain for the next few days. I know the last three days I think haven't been great for sides trying to get games in,” Morgan said.

“But at some stage during the tournament we will be hit by a small bit of rain. It's great that it's not too much and, hopefully, it doesn't impact one team more than twice.”

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