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.

Legendary English cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has undergone successful surgery to remove throat cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from the cricketing community.Boycott, 81, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the cancer recently returned, necessitating surgical intervention.His daughter, Emma, announced the successful outcome of the surgery on Boycott's Twitter account. "My Father, Geoffrey, has successfully come out of surgery this evening after a 3-hour operation to remove his throat cancer," she wrote.Former Australian cricketer and coach Darren Lehmann expressed his relief and well wishes. "Thanks for the update, please pass on our thoughts to the whole family and glad the surgery went well," he tweeted.Ex-England player Alan Butcher exclaimed "Great news," while former captain Michael Vaughan posted a red heart emoji.Boycott, known for his prolific batting and astute commentary, enjoyed a remarkable cricketing career. He amassed 8,114 runs in 108 Tests from 1964 to 1982, captaining England on four occasions. His Test average of 47.72 included 22 centuries and 42 half-centuries.In first-class cricket, Boycott represented Yorkshire, scoring an impressive 48,426 runs, the fifth-highest tally of all time. He later became president of Yorkshire and was a respected member of the BBC Test Match Special commentary team for 14 years until 2020.Boycott's contributions to cricket extend beyond his playing and commentary roles. He has authored several books on the sport and has been a regular pundit on Sky Sports and Talksport radio.The cricketing fraternity and fans alike are relieved and hopeful for Boycott's speedy recovery. His resilience and determination have been an inspiration to many, and his legacy as one of England's greatest batsmen remains secure.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has been dealt a major setback as he is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a persistent left ankle injury. The 33-year-old pacer, who has been battling this issue for some time now, will undergo surgery in the United Kingdom to address the problem.Shami's absence from the IPL, which is scheduled to commence on March 22, is a significant blow to his franchise, the Gujarat Titans, who were hoping to retain their title with the services of their star bowler. The right-arm pacer has been a key figure in India's recent success in limited-overs cricket, playing a pivotal role in their run to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.The injury concerns surrounding Shami have raised questions about the injury rehabilitation management program planned by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Some experts believe that a more aggressive approach, such as opting for surgery earlier, could have potentially accelerated his recovery and allowed him to participate in the IPL.Shami's absence from the IPL is not only a setback for his franchise but also for the Indian team, as he is a vital cog in their bowling attack. With a packed schedule of international fixtures in the coming months, including Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, as well as the marquee away series against Australia, Shami's availability will be crucial for India's success.The injury to Shami highlights the importance of effective injury management and rehabilitation programs for athletes. With the increasing demands of modern-day cricket, players are often pushed to their limits, making it essential for teams and support staff to prioritize player welfare and ensure that injuries are addressed promptly and appropriately.