Cricket

Mark Wood, England's pace spearhead, faces an anxious wait to determine the severity of his right elbow injury. The 33-year-old was ruled out for the remainder of 2023 after a scan revealed a "bone-stress injury."Wood's injury woes began during the first Test against Sri Lanka in June, when he suffered a right groin strain. A subsequent routine check of his elbow, which had been stiff during the West Indies series, led to the discovery of the bone stress.The ECB medical team is hopeful that surgery can be avoided, but this week's appointment will provide a definitive diagnosis. An initial scan three weeks ago showed no signs of a fracture, but further examination is required to confirm this.In 2022, Wood underwent two surgeries on his right elbow to remove bone fragments and cut a trapped ligament. He returned to action in impressive form, bowling at speeds in excess of 95 mph. However, the recurrence of elbow pain has raised concerns about his long-term fitness.Wood admitted that the injury came as a surprise, as he had been managing the stiffness without any major discomfort. "I had a bit of a groin tweak and went for a scan with a stiff elbow which is not uncommon for a fast bowler," he said. "I was thinking I might need an injection, but the doctor looked concerned and said I better get this checked a little more."The injury has forced Wood to make adjustments to his daily routine, including limiting the use of his right arm. "I have been told to stop picking my kids up with my right arm," he revealed. "I have to do everything with my left. I am hoping I am going to come back like [Rafael] Nadal with one big left arm and a skinny right arm."The outcome of this week's appointment will determine Wood's availability for England's upcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. His absence would be a significant blow to the team, as he has been one of their most consistent performers in recent years.

Pakistan's fast-bowling sensation Ihsanullah has embarked on a journey to the United Kingdom for specialized medical treatment of a persistent elbow injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assumed full responsibility for Ihsanullah's treatment, which has been a subject of controversy.Ihsanullah's elbow injury dates back to April 2023, following a white-ball series against New Zealand. Initially, the PCB downplayed the severity of the injury, and the subsequent treatment, involving gym and weight work, may have aggravated the condition.For over a year, there was a lack of official updates on Ihsanullah's progress. However, the case gained media attention when Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen accused the PCB of neglecting the player's treatment. Tareen claimed that the franchise had covered a significant portion of Ihsanullah's expenses and that he required further surgery.PCB's chief medical officer, Dr. Sohail Saleem, defended the board's handling of the case, but admitted to a delay in proper diagnosis. The PCB has now secured an appointment with renowned UK-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Adam Watts, in collaboration with Multan Sultans.Ihsanullah's case has highlighted concerns about the PCB's medical record, particularly in managing fast bowlers' injuries. Several players and staff have expressed a lack of trust in Dr. Saleem, a situation that may intensify following Ihsanullah's treatment.In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a string of lengthy injury layoffs among its fast bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Khurram Shahzad have all faced significant setbacks. The PCB's handling of these injuries has raised questions about its ability to effectively manage and rehabilitate its players.