Mark Wood, the pace spearhead of the Lucknow Super Giants, is set to miss the final stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to personal reasons. The England fast bowler is scheduled to attend the birth of his second child next month.
Wood, who has been a vital cog in the Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling attack, has picked up 11 wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 8.12. He, however, missed the Super Giants’ last two matches due to illness. The team management has confirmed that he will not be available for the playoffs and the final stages of the tournament.
The league phase of the IPL ends on May 21, with the playoffs scheduled for May 23, 24 and 26, followed by the final on May 28. The Super Giants, who are currently placed sixth on the points table, will be hoping to secure their place in the playoffs without their premier fast bowler.
Wood’s absence will be a big blow for the Lucknow-based franchise, who will now have to find a suitable replacement for him in the upcoming matches.
“Wood and his wife Sarah are expecting their second child towards the end of May. Wood will fly home at some point in the coming weeks in order to be present at the birth,” a report in ESPNCricinfo stated.
