England's Wood misses the fourth day against Sri Lanka due to a thigh injury

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka due to a thigh injury, it was announced ahead of Saturday's match.

The 34-year-old Durham player left the field at Old Trafford late on Friday after just two balls in his 11th over.

After an examination by the English medical staff, the injury-prone player was advised to rest.

England will hope that they can still take a 1-0 lead in this three-match series even without Wood's express pace, as Sri Lanka continued on 204-6 in the second innings – a lead of just 82 runs.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Association said: “England pace bowler Mark Wood sustained a muscle injury to his right thigh late on the third day of the First Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.

“He will not return to the field of play today and will continue to be assessed by the England medical team to determine the full extent of the injury.”

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