Friday 30 October 2015

Cricket:Mark Wood ruled out of England's third Test against Pakistan


England seamer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the third Test against Pakistan with an ankle injury.

The 25-year-old, who has picked up six wickets over two games in the series, manages a chronic ankle problem and has been rested for the final match in Sharjah, which starts on Sunday live on Sky Sports. England trail the series 1-0.

England coach Trevor Bayliss suggested on Thursday that the team could go with three spinners in a bid to maximise conditions in Sharjah and ensure a draw from the three-game series in the UAE.

But he admitted the selectors had a decision to make, with the pace attack of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Wood having bowled well in Abu Dhabi.and Dubai, and Liam Plunkett ready and waiting to come in.

Bayliss said: "Our plan, before seeing the pitch, was that we might go with three spinners.

"I think New Zealand and Pakistan both played three spinners in their series here last year. So that is an option I suppose.

"But the one thing that could go against that is that our pace bowling has been outstanding. As a quartet of pace bowlers, it's been excellent.

We might go with three spinners. I think New Zealand and Pakistan both played three in their series here last year. So that is an option I suppose.

"So, on the one hand, you might want a bit of extra spin but, on the other hand, you're then taking away from your strength in your bowling on this tour. So we've got to sit down and analyse that and make a decision."

Samit Patel would be the likely third-choice spinner, while there could also be a possible change in the batting.

Adil Rashid impressed at times in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and he spent an hour with spin-bowling great Shane Warne as he looks for more consistency in his bowling.

Out-of-form wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler could be left out, with Jonny Bairstow his ready-made replacement behind the stumps, leaving room for the possible return of James Taylor.

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