Cricket

“Even Jofra Archer can’t bowl this pace” – Michael Vaughan says England will miss Mark Wood more than Ben Stokes in last 2 ENG vs SL 2024 Tests

Former England captain Michael Vaughan reckons the Ollie Pope-led team will miss the services of Mark Wood more than Ben Stokes in the last two Test matches against Sri Lanka. England registered a five-wicket win against the Island nation at Old Trafford, Manchester on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Vaughan feels even Jofra Archer can’t match Wood’s express pace. Wood bowled 10.2 overs in the second innings before he suffered a thigh injury in the opening Test match. The fast bowler bagged a total of two wickets in the first Test match and he is now doubtful for the remaining two matches of the series.

“Mark Wood is the key, look at all the England side, even Ben Stokes now. Ben Stokes is a talisman, an incredible cricketer, England miss but they will miss Wood even more because there is no one who can bowl 95 miles an hour,” Vaughan said on BBC Test match special.

“Mark Wood is becoming quite quickly the most important member of this team because he brings something that they haven’t got anyone that can bring. Even Jofra Archer can’t bowl this pace. He (Wood) is bowling 95 to 97 miles an hour,” the former England captain added.

Vaughan said England deeply missed Wood’s services on the fourth day’s morning but he doesn’t see the gun pacer recovering in time for the next two games.

“We saw it this morning when the pitch was flat, there wasn’t a great deal there for the spin, there was no lateral movement, they were crying out for Mark Wood. He is not going to play at Lords. He might not be seen again this summer,” he said.

“So I personally would wrap him in cotton wool for the next couple of weeks. They have to make sure that next year he is a hundred percent fit to go in around 60 to 70 percent of the Test matches, and if they have him fit, they have a chance of doing something very special,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.

Vaughan backed Olly Stone to replace Mark Wood in the next two matches in the final XI.

“You have got to have five bowlers. So you would think someone like Sam Curran may get a call if Woakes is going to be struggling. I don’t know how bad Chris Woakes is. Olly Stone is probably going to play for Mark Wood. England have got good options,” he replied.

The second Test match between England and Sri Lanka will be played at Lord’s, starting August 29.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

We’ll try to win the ISL again: Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Jose Molina

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina has revealed that the goal is to… Read More

November 14, 2024

I am fully focused on the Malaysia match: India head coach Manolo Marquez

India’s head coach Manolo Marquez is fully focused on the international friendly against Malaysia. The… Read More

November 14, 2024

“It’s very important that Amorim succeeds at Manchester United” – Nuno Mendes

Paris Saint Germain left-back Nuno Mendes has wished incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim all… Read More

November 14, 2024

Gujarat Titans name Parthiv Patel as assistant and batting coach

Gujarat Titans have named Parthiv Patel as the assistant and batting coach. Patel will join… Read More

November 14, 2024

Arshdeep Singh can actually bowl well in all phases of the game: Parthiv Patel

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel showered praise on India’s pacer Arshdeep Singh, stating the… Read More

November 14, 2024

4-0 a distant dream, take one step at a time – Sanjay Manjrekar advise to Team India before Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has urged India to take one Test match at a… Read More

November 14, 2024