Mark Wood Rejoins England’s Playing XI for Dharamsala Test

England’s express pacer, Mark Wood, is set to return to the playing XI for the fifth and final Test against India in Dharamsala.

Wood had previously played in the first and third Tests of the series in Hyderabad and Rajkot, but was rested for the fourth Test to manage his workload. Despite not taking any wickets in England’s series-opening victory, the 34-year-old claimed four wickets in the third Test and added a valuable 37 runs, although England lost the match.

Wood’s return comes at the expense of Ollie Robinson, who struggled in the fourth Test in Ranchi. Robinson sustained a back strain during England’s first batting innings, which prevented him from bowling in India’s successful fourth innings chase. In the first innings, he bowled 13 overs without taking a wicket and conceded 54 runs.

England’s Playing XI:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Shoaib Bashir

Despite India taking an unassailable 3-1 lead with a thrilling win in the fourth Test, both teams still have crucial World Test Championship points to play for.

Related Article: India Ascends to the Top of the World Test Championship Standings

India has risen to the top of the WTC25 standings after New Zealand’s defeat to Australia in their first Test. England, meanwhile, is aiming to climb up from their current 8th place position, where they hold a point percentage of 19.44.