During the two-day IPL 2022 mega auction last week, England pacer Mark Wood was roped in by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 7.50 Crore.

Elated to find a bidder at the auction, Wood said receiving a contract was similar to playing a computer game like ‘Football Manager’ “almost not real”.

“As soon as the final amount was confirmed Sarah asked what it was in pounds I might have to freeze all our accounts so it doesn’t disappear,” Wood told ‘The Guardian.’

“But we’re delighted. It’s a weird experience. It feels like a computer game almost not real, like transfers on Football Manager but it’s also very real when you get signed,” he added.

The 32-year-old fast bowler also opened up on the scene in his house during the auction.

“We were about to go away for the weekend for a wedding anniversary I missed in Australia but the IPL auctioneer falling ill on stage paused everything and delayed us setting off,” Wood said.

“Harry was meant to sleep in the car but just conked out on the sofa before my name came up. I remember Sarah shouting but also whispering Get back here now,’ as I was putting some dishes in the sink.

“After a quiet start to the bidding, suddenly it moved fast and the numbers went up,” he said.

Mark Wood also commented on veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s omission from the Test squad for the upcoming West Indies tour.

“I didn’t see it coming at all. It will be weird those two not being on tour; a first for me. Even when injured they normally stay in the group. But I know they’ll be there on text if I need advice. And if they see something, they’d message too. They’re England fans, I know they’ve been there a long time but they still just want England to win and I’m 100% sure they’ll be back,” Wood remarked.

(With PTI inputs)