Mark Wood, tearaway pacer, could reportedly miss the first three Test matches on England’s five-Test tour of India early next year after signing a lucrative contract with the UAE-based International League T20 (ILT20).
Wood, who is currently one of the fastest bowlers in the Test game, took 14 wickets in three Ashes Tests, helping to transform the series after returning at Headingley. He is a big part of the England contingent as they would look to utilize his pace and their bazball approach with the bat to win their first Test series in India since 2012.
England is scheduled to play five Test matches starting from January 25 onwards to March 7. The five Tests will be played at Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamshala respectively, and will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
Wood is yet to play a Test on the Indian soil but his sporadic appearances in Indian conditions and current form make him an invaluable asset. In the series against Pakistan last year, Wood played 2 of the 3-match series which the English side won with a clean sweep. He picked up 8 wickets at an average of 20.38.
Mark Wood Signs With Dubai Capitals For ILT20, Which Clashes With England’s Tour Of India
However, Wood recently signed a contract with Dubai Capitals, who share owners with the Indian Premier League Delhi Capitals, which now puts his availability for England in question.
Next year’s ILT20 competition begins on January 13 with England’s Test series in India beginning on January 25. It remains possible that Wood could only feature at the start of the ILT20, and then travel to India.
His signing with Dubai is a further indication of England’s struggles to ensure their players are available for all international cricket as franchise leagues become more lucrative.
Early in 2024, Wood will turn 34. Despite his unwavering dedication to representing England, completing his contract with Dubai Capitals to the fullest extent would help him secure his financial future. He has a history of injuries, and playing T20 cricket would put him at a lower risk of injury than playing Test cricket.
The length of time Wood will be away from his family this winter may be another factor to take into account. He is already a member of the England World Cup roster and will play in the IPL in 2019.
It would be more simpler for Wood’s young family to see him during the ILT20 than during the Test matches in India because the entire ILT20 is situated in Dubai and T20 matches are less intense than Test matches.