England were dealt a concerning blow when Mark Wood, their key attacking bowler, spent significant time off the field on day three of the First Test against West Indies due to an elbow injury.
West Indies moved into the lead seven wickets down before tea on the third day, thanks mainly to an excellent innings from Nkrumah Bonner, who had 98 not out at the break.
England were without Wood for the entire session, after he bowled just five overs before lunch. England are not expecting him to bowl again until the second innings at the earliest.
Wood’s injury is not entirely new. He bowled a lot of overs across four Tests in the Ashes and, before this tour, he had an injection to manage the pain it caused.
If the injury proves serious, England will be left in a very tricky position. James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been overlooked for this tour, while Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran and Olly Stone are injured. Ben Stokes is supposed to be used cautiously as he overcomes a side injury, but has already bowled 19 overs in the match.
Robinson looks unlikely to be fit for next Wednesday’s second Test in Barbados. The uncapped Saqib Mahmood and Matt Fisher are on tour, while Liam Norwell is among those who could be called up.
When this tour ends, Wood is due to join up with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, with his deal with £735,000.
