WI v ENG 2019: England call up Mark Wood to replace injured Olly Stone for West Indies tour

Stone picked up a stress fracture in the lower back.

Wood is expected to join England squad in Barbados this weekend | Getty Images

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named Mark Wood as a replacement for injured Olly Stone for England's tour of West Indies on Thursday (January 17).

Wood has been drafted into the Lions’ squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against West Indies which will get underway with the first one in Barbados from January 23.

The 29-year-old pacer, who last turned up in whites for England in May last year, got the nod for the Caribbean tour on the back of his impressive pace and fitness on the Lions tour to the UAE and is expected to join the national squad in Barbados this weekend.

Wood said of national recall to Test squad, “I am really pleased to get the call and I do feel for Olly in these circumstances. I am excited to be joining up with a team that's flying at the minute. The lads, under Rooty [Joe Root], showed what they are capable of. They are in a great place going into the West Indies tour and hopefully a successful 2019.”

He continued, “To hear from National Selector Ed Smith was a surprise but very satisfying. It has been a very happy time for me and the family.”

Commenting on his fitness, the seamer said, “I am enjoying myself and having fun with the game again. I am very clear about where I am at and I have a lot of clarity. My body is good to go. I left the tour of the UAE in a really good place physically. I have had a clear thought process and mentally I feel fresh and excited to continue to improve on things I started with the Lions and play with a smile on my face.”

Wood signed off by saying, “I have put a lot of work into my game when I was away with Lions in the UAE during November and December and I took on board what the coaches were looking for while I was there. We discussed the way I trained, being more efficient with my preparation and having a positive mindset.”

(With ESPN Cricinfo Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 18 Jan, 2019

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