England who is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka after their South Africa assignment has suffered a blow as pacer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the upcoming tour after he sustained an injury against the Proteas last month.

According to an ECB statement, the Durham pacer sustained “a small tear to his left side,” and will be starting the rehabilitation with England and Durham medical teams. The 30-year-old will be replaced by Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood in the Sri Lanka tour.

Wood who had a similar problem after the World Cup 2019 in England which saw him missing the home Ashes series.

While Jonny Bairstow and England’s highest wicket-taker James Anderson were not there in the 16-member squad, Lancashire opener Keaton Jennings and Surrey wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes were both recalled.

England will be leaving for Sri Lanka on Monday (2 March) as their first Test match of the two-match Test series begins on March 19 at Galle.