England suffer ANOTHER injury setback with Mark Wood to miss the fourth day's play against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford - after captain Ben Stokes was ruled out of the entire Test series

England have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the fourth day's play of their first Test against Sri Lanka.

Fast bowler Mark Wood pulled up midway through his over on Friday evening and immediately went off the field of play to receive treatment.

England have now confirmed he will not take to the field on Saturday due to his setback.

A statement posted on England Cricket's official X account on Saturday morning read: 'Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury. 

'He won't return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team.'

Zak Crawley (pictured) is also not playing against Sri Lanka due to fracturing his finger

Speedy recovery,Woody 🙏

Mark Wood has sustained a right thigh muscle injury.

He won't return to the field today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team. pic.twitter.com/N7IcuzCS4w

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 24,2024

England headed into the three-match series without two key players,including captain Ben Stokes.

The 33-year-old all-rounder was ruled out of the entire series after suffering a hamstring injury while playing in The Hundred earlier this month.

Opening batter Zak Crawley is also not available for selection having suffered a fractured finger while fielding for England against West Indies in their previous Test series.

Wood's injury is a significant loss for England after a fine summer with the ball,but they remain in a strong position to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka finished day three on 204-6,leading by just 82 runs with only four wickets remaining.

England will hope to take the final four wickets quickly to leave themselves chasing a modest total for victory,but will have to do so without the services of Wood.

Wood now faces a race against time to feature in the remainder of the series,with the next two matches coming thick and fast.

The second Test at Lord's is due to begin on Thursday,before the final Test of the summer takes place at the Oval from September 6-10. 

Ben StokesEngland Cricket