England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the fourth day of the first test against Sri Lanka with a thigh injury, it was announced before play on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Durham quick left the field at Old Trafford just two balls into his 11th over late on Friday.
Following an assessment by England medical staff, the injury-prone paceman has been advised to rest.
England will hope they can still go 1-0 up in this three-match series without Wood's express speed, with Sri Lanka resuming on 204-6 in their second innings – a lead of just 82 runs.
Speedy recovery, Woody 🙏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 24, 2024
Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury.
He won't return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team. pic.twitter.com/N7IcuzCS4w
An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said: "England pace bowler Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury late on the third day of the first test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.
"He will not return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team to determine the full extent of the injury."