T20 World Cup: England's Mark Wood struggling to be fit for final against Pakistan
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ICC Men's T20 World Cup final: Pakistan v
England |
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Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground Date: 13
November Time: 08:00 GMT |
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Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio
5 Sports Extra, Radio 4 LW, online, tablets, mobiles and BBC Sport app. Live
text commentary and in-play video clips on the BBC Sport website and app. |
England bowler Mark
Wood is struggling to be fit for Sunday's T20 World Cup final against Pakistan
in Melbourne.
Wood, 32, missed Thursday's semi-final win
over India with a right hip injury.
He has been the fastest bowler in the
tournament and took nine wickets in four matches in the group stage as a
crucial part of England's attack.
"I tried my best to make the last game
but I couldn't bowl at the intensity and speeds required to play for
England," Wood said.
Speaking on the BBC's
Good Pace for Radio podcast, he added: "I couldn't get my
hip going. Hopefully if required I can try and get it right for this game - I
don't know if I'll be able to.
"The team did really well last game - if
the captain desperately needs me and I'm fit enough then I'll put my name in
the hat like everyone else."
Wood, who has bowled the quickest delivery at the tournament, at 96.15mph against New Zealand, also broke the record for the fastest spell in white-ball cricket, averaging 92.6mph across his four overs against Afghanistan.
It is understood batter Dawid Malan, who
missed the 10-wicket victory over India with a groin injury is also unlikely to
be fit.
On Friday England coach Matthew Mott told the
BBC "there isn't a lot of time for them" but added "I would like
to maintain a bit of hope".
Wood, who missed the entire summer with an
elbow injury, also took six wickets in two matches when England won an away
series against Pakistan 4-3 in September and October.
His injury is also of concern given he is a
member of England's Test squad for the series in Pakistan, which starts on 1
December.
His ability to bowl at high pace is seen as
vital, given the slow, low surfaces in Pakistan.
Fellow England bowler and co-host Tymal Mills
revealed on the podcast the pair had to complete a 300m trip for breakfast from
their team hotel in Adelaide on an electric scooter, because Wood was
struggling to walk.
