Mark Wood fit for England's World Cup opener versus South Africa
Monday 27 May 2019 17:22, UK
Mark Wood has been passed fit for England's World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday after recovering from an ankle problem.
The Durham fast bowler was only able to deliver three overs on Saturday during England's warm-up game defeat to Australia at the Ageas Bowl due to pain in his left foot, but was given the all-clear on the injury after a weekend scan.
Wood, rested for England's nine-wicket warm-up win over Afghanistan on Monday, said: "I wasn't worried about the scan because I knew it was precautionary.
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"I probably could have carried on bowling but I didn't want to take any risks with it when I knew what was round the corner, especially with my background.
"I had a light bowl [on Monday morning] and felt fine, then I had a bit of a heavier bowl whilst the lads were playing football and that felt absolutely fine.
"If anything, I just need to get it on the ice machine 24/7 for the next couple of days. I will fully join in with practice on Wednesday and then be ready to go on Thursday if selected."
England captain Eoin Morgan added: "It's the best possible news.
"With Woody being a fast bowler it's inevitable we would have injuries but to come back with the scan as clear as it could be is great, so we are all ready."
Wood has previously had three operations on his left ankle, and was rested by his club side Durham for the first part of the season. He has bowled just 13.1 overs since the beginning of the county campaign.
You can watch every match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup on Sky Sports Cricket, starting with England vs South Africa at The Oval from 9.30am on Thursday.
