Mark Wood returns from IPL early in bid to secure England Test place

Mark Wood is returning early from his stint with Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings to increase his chances of being named in the England Test squad for the series against Pakistan.

The fast bowler has featured in just one of CSK's 10 fixtures, and has now been made available for Durham's County Championship match against Derbyshire on Friday.

England begin the Test series against Pakistan later this month, and Wood is hoping to make an impression for Durham ahead of the squad announcement.

He posted on Instagram: "Having worked so hard to get back in the Test team, and because I'm not currently in the CSK side, I am coming home to play for Durham to hopefully put my name in the hat for Test match selection."

Durham head coach Jon Lewis added: "It's a massive boost to have Mark available for Friday. On the occasions we've had him available to play for us over the last few years, he's made some great contributions.

"He comes back to us with a big point to prove and is eager to nail down his spot in the England Test side.

"The IPL didn't give him the playing opportunities he would have liked but he has still learnt from great players and this is a move which suits all parties."

Wood joins a Durham side on a high following their victory over Leicestershire in the last round of fixtures - the first time they had ever won a first-class match after being forced to follow-on.