Mark Wood Ruled Out of Day Four in First Test Against Sri Lanka Due to Injury

England pace bowler Mark Wood will miss the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka after sustaining a thigh injury. The incident occurred late on the third day when Wood left the field just two balls into his 11th over. Following an assessment by medical staff, it was determined that he would need to rest and not return to play. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the injury in a statement, noting that Wood had suffered a right thigh muscle injury at Emirates Old Trafford. The team is now faced with the challenge of continuing their pursuit of victory without Wood's express pace, as Sri Lanka resumes their innings with a lead of 82 runs, sitting at 204 for six. The absence of Wood, a key player known for his speed and effectiveness, raises concerns for the England side as they aim to secure a win in the first of the Rothesay Test series. The medical team will continue to monitor Wood's condition to assess the full extent of the injury and determine his potential return to the squad. As the match progresses, England will need to adapt their strategy in order to compensate for Wood's absence and maintain their competitive edge against Sri Lanka. The situation remains fluid as updates on Wood's injury and the match outcome are awaited.