During their crucial match against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, England experienced a serious injury scare when fast bowler Mark Wood departed the field with what appeared to be a left knee injury. Wood appeared uncomfortable during the powerplay, needed medical care, and eventually left the field while in the middle of his fourth over.
England came into the game with a well-rounded squad that included three pacers and leg-spinner Adil Rashid as their primary bowling attack. They needed to win to maintain their hopes of making it to the semi-finals. Since Liam Livingstone and Joe Root share the fifth bowling position, any injury to a frontline pacer may have a significant financial impact on the team.
Jamie Overton replaced the injured Brydon Carse in the Jos Buttler-led team’s lone alteration to the starting lineup. Wood has a significant injury history, including knee issues that have previously plagued him.
Wood threw a ball to Ibrahim Zadran during his fourth over and promptly signaled for medical assistance, which led to the incident. During the physiotherapist’s examination of his strapped left knee, the pacer was observed in distress, resting on his back. He bowled with a grimace, but failed to finish the over, and was removed from the field for more evaluation.
Mark Wood rejoins the field.
Despite the early concerns, the Three Lions received a positive news when the pacer made his 38-minute comeback to the field. He had to wait an additional half hour before he could bowl again, though, because of ICC rules.
Wood’s alleged knee injury was later verified in an England camp statement, although it was still unclear if he would be able to finish his stay. Losing a specialist pacer like Wood might disrupt England’s game plans, forcing Buttler to rely more on his part-time bowlers as they choose to include one additional batter in this important encounter.
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