As the cricketing world turns its attention to the highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction, teams are meticulously crafting their strategies to assemble the most competitive rosters. The auction, a spectacle of talent acquisition, offers franchises a unique opportunity to secure top players who can make a significant impact on their campaigns. Among the elite names expected to generate considerable buzz is Mark Wood, the English fast bowler renowned for his blistering pace and ab??ility to perform under pressure. With his impressive performances in international cricket, Wood has established himself as a formidable force, capable of changing the course of a match with his lethal bowling.

The IPL has always been a platform where players can showcase their skills and contribute to their teams’ successes. For franchises, acquiring a player like Wood could be pivotal, especially in a tournament where every match counts and the competition is fierce. With a base price of INR 2 crore, Wood is likely to attract interest from multiple teams looking to bolster their bowling attacks. His unique blend of speed, accuracy, and experience makes him an attractive prospect for franchises aiming for the coveted IPL trophy.

5 franchises that will go for Mark Wood

Kolkata Knight Riders: Seeking pace and precision

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have a history of investing in strong bowling line-ups, and Wood fits perfectly into their strategy. With KKR’s past struggles in the bowling department, acquiring Wood could provide them with a potent weapon in their arsenal. His ability to bowl at high speeds and deliver crucial wickets makes him an attractive option for KKR, especially as they look to continue their reigning champions�?glory.

Also READ: 3 teams that can target Yuzvendra Chahal in the ?IPL 2025 mega auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Aiming for balance

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have often been criticized for their lack of depth in bowling. With Virat Kohli‘s legacy and a focus on winning their maiden title, adding Wood could be a game-changer. His experience in high-pressure situations, combined with RCB’s explosive batting lineup, could create a balanced team capable of competing fiercely in the tournament.

Punjab Kings: The need for firepower

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are known for their aggressive approach, and Wood’s fast bowling aligns perfectly with their philosophy. With a purse of INR 110.5 crore, they have the financial flexibility to make a significant bid. Wood’s ability to take wickets at crucial junctures can help Punjab solidify their position in? matches where they often falter under pressure.

Lucknow Super Giants: Building on success

After a promising start in previous seasons, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be looking to bolster their squad further. Wood’s addition could enhance their pace attack significantly. Given LSG’s strategic focus on building a competitive team, targeting Wood might be a part of their plan to ensure they remain contenders for the title.

Mumbai Indians: The pursuit of excellence

The Mumbai Indians (MI), with their legacy of success, are always on the lookout for top talent. As they prepare for IPL 2025, adding a player like Wood could provide them with an edge in the bowling department. Known for their tactical acumen, MI might s?ee Wood as a key player who can perform consistently under pressure, especially in knockout ??scenarios.

As franchises gear up for the IPL 2025 mega auction, Wood is poised to be one of the most sought-after players due to his proven track record and unique skill set. Each of these teams has distinct needs that Wood can address, making him a pivotal target as they aim for success in the upcoming se??ason.

Also READ: 3 teams that can target Azmatullah Omarzai in the IPL 2025 mega auction 

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England have confirmed their playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka, with a notable change in their bowling attack. A pacer name has been drafted in to replace the injured Mark Wood, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a right muscle strain. This change is the only alteration made by? the hosts for the second Test of the three-match series, which is set to commence on August 29 at Lord’s.

Replacement of  Mark Wood

Right-arm fast-bowler Olly Stone, who last appeared for England in June 2021 during a home series against New Zealand, is set to make his re??turn to Test cricket. Stone, aged 30, has played three Test matches for England, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 19.40. His inclusion comes after Wood, who was a key part of England’s pace attack, suffered a series-ending thigh injury during the third day of the Old Trafford Test against Sri Lanka.

Also READ: ECB unveils England’s ODI & T20I squads for the home series against Australia; no pla?ce for Jonny Bairstow ??and Moeen Ali

ECB’s selection strategy

Initially, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) called up left-arm seamer Josh Hull as a replacement for Wood. However, Hull has not been included in the squad for the Lord’s Test. Instead, England have opted for the experienced Stone, who was originally part of the squad but was released for County Championship duties alongside uncapped batter Jordan Cox.

Injury impact and squad update

England have faced several injury setbacks leading up to this Test. Captain Ben Stokes remains out due to an injury sustained in the Hundred 2024, and opener Zak Crawley is unavailable due to a fractured finger incurred during the West Indies Tests. Despite these challenges, the rest of the squad remains unchanged from the first Test. Dan Lawrence, who stepped in as an opener in place of Crawley, has retained?? his position after scoring 30 and 34 in the series opener.

England’s playing XI for the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka:

Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie ??Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, ��Olly Stone, ⁠Shoaib Bashir

Also READ: Unfair ball change controversy mar??s England vs Sri Lanka Test; Angelo Mathews expresses frustr?ation

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England speedster Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Sri Lanka due to a right thigh muscle strain sustained during?? the first Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Mark Wood sustains injury on Day 3 of the first Test

Wood limped off the field late in the third day of the match after delivering an impressive performance, and subsequent scans confirmed t?he severity of his? injury.

An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement confirmed Wood’s injury, stating that he would not participate in the rest of the three-match Test series. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 29 at Lord’s, where England will look to continue their momentum after a hard-fought victory in the opening match.

Wood’s injury is a significant blow for England, as he has been a key player in their bowling attack. His absence will require the team to adjust their strategy as they prepare for the challenges posed by the Sri Lankan side in the upcoming match.

Also READ: Twitter reactions – Joe Root shines in England’s nervy victory over Sri Lanka in Manchester Test

Mark Wood’s replacement for the remaining Test series 

In his absence, Leicestershire’s Josh Hull has been called up to replace Wood for the upcoming second Test. This marks Hull’s first call-up to the England Test squad, highlighting his potential as a promising addition to the team.

Hull??, the towering 6ft 7in pacer, has been a standout performer for Leicestershire, contributing significantly to their One-Day Cup triumph in 20?23. Recently, he made a promising debut for the England Lions against Sri Lanka, claiming a five-wicket haul to secure a seven-wicket victory.

England cur?rently leads the Test series 1-0 and will look to secure another victory to climb h?igher in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

Also READ: Youngest wicketkeepers to smash a Test century for England – feat Jamie Smith

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In a thrilling first-test encounter between England and Sri Lanka, Mark Wood showcased his raw pace and skill, delivering a stunning 93 mph delivery to dismiss Kusal Mendis, setting the tone for England’s dominance in the first innings.

Mark Wood dismisses Kusal Mendis with a tremendous delivery

It was the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings when Wood’s searing short ball proved too much for Mendis, who had been looking to steady the ship after a shaky start from the hosts. The delivery, angling towards off-stump, left Mendis in two minds. His attempt to fend it away failed, as the ball rocketed off his bottom thumb and flew directly towards Harry Brook at second slip. Brook made no mistake, completin?g a straightforward catch without having to move an inch.

Mendis, who had managed to score 24 runs off 34 balls, including four boundaries, was forced to acknowledge the brilliance of the delivery as he trudged back to the pavilion, visibly uncomfortable with his right hand, which had been heavily strapped before the match. Sri Lanka will be anxiously hoping that no serious injury has occurred to their key batter, given the team’s challenging start to the innings.

Here is the video:

Pace like 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Md8gctJsTr

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 21, 2024

Also READ: 3 records Joe Root can br?eak during England vs Sri Lanka Test s?eries

England bowlers domination

Having won the toss and opted to bat first, Sri Lanka’s decision quickly seemed to backfire as they found themselves struggling against a clinical English bowling attack. By the time lunch was called, Sri Lanka had limped to 80 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 25 overs.

England’s bowlers were in fine form from the outset, with Chris Woakes particularly standing out. Woakes struck early in the innings, dismissing both Sri Lankan openers. His first breakthrough came when he removed Nishan Madushka for just 4 runs, setting the tone for England’s dominance. Woakes then delivered a crucial blow to Sri Lanka’s hopes when he trapped the experienced Angelo Mathews, who failed to score, departing for a duck.

As the players headed off for the lunch break, England had clearly taken control of the opening day, leaving Sri Lanka ??reeling. With five wickets already down, Sri Lanka wi??ll need to regroup and find stability in the second session if they hope to post a competitive first-innings total. For England, the opening session has provided an ideal start, with their bowlers exhibiting precision, pace, and control, putting them in the driver’s seat.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Drama in Machester as Sri Lankan team evacuated? after false fire alarm

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In a thrilling moment during the ongoing third Test match between England and the West Indies, Mark Wood delivered an exceptional ball that clean-bowled Kirk McKenzie. This memorable incid??ent took place in the 25th over of the first innings when the West Indies were at 93/1.

Mark Wood’s breathtaking delivery 

Wood’s delivery was nothing short of spectacular. Coming in at a blistering pace of 146 km/h, the ball swung back sharply from a fuller length, leaving McKenzie completely baffled. The middle stump was dramatically uprooted, flying out of the ground and landing some distance away. McKenzie’s attempt to push the ball tamely was in vain, as the ball’s rapid pace and late inward movement completely outwitted him. McKenzie was dismissed for just 12 runs, highlighting Wood’s prowess and precision.

Here is the video:

Why look for the outside edge…

When you can take middle stump out the ground! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ojiqBtWgXF

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2024

Also READ: Harry Brook spills beans about his captaincy pl????ans for England

Series recap

The series began with a resounding victory for England in the first Test at Lord’s. England triumphed with a substantial margin, defeating the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs. This dominant performance set the tone for the series, showcasing England’s strength and strategic acumen.

Continuing their winning streak, England secured another commanding victory in the second Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. They defeated the West Indies by 241 runs with a comprehensive all-round performance. England’s batsmen and bowlers worked in unison, delivering a clinical performance that left the visitors struggling.
England has been dominant throughout the series, already sec??uring a 2-0 lead.

The ongoing third Test at Edgbaston is part of the larger England vs West Indies tour of England. The home team has ??shown remarkable performance in both batting and bowling, asserting their superiority in the series.

Also READ: Ian Bishop’s morale boosti??ng message to the young ?West Indies squad following the Test series loss against England

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Mark Wood‘s dismissal of Kevin Sinclair was a standout moment on Day 4 of the second Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham?? on Sunday (July 21). With a near unplayable bouncer, Wood targeted Sinclair, who was caught off guard by the delivery.

West Indies’ chase falters after strong start

Hosts England resumed Day 4 of the Test match at 248/3 and went on to post a formidable total of 425, thanks to brilliant centuries from overnight batters Joe Root (122) and Harry Brook (109).

With a challenging target of 385 to win the Test match, West Indies initially showed promise by adding 60 runs for the first wicket. However, their innings quickly unraveled, crumbling to 91/6. Kevin Sinclair was the sixth man to be dismissed in the 24th over of the West Indies chase, further diminishing their chances of a successful pu?rsuit.

Also READ: ENG vs WI: Netizens go ??wild as Joe Root sco?res his 32nd Test century at Trent Bridge

Mark Wood dismisses Kevin Sinclair with a brutal bouncer

Wood unleashed a fearsome bouncer that rose sharply towards Sinclair’s body, leaving the right-handed batter with little time to react. In a desperate attempt to protect himself, Sinclair took his eyes off the ball and instinctively raised his hand in front of his face.

The ball struck the wristband of Sinclair’s glove, sending a simple catch to Zak Crawley at second slip. Sinclair, hoping for a reprieve, opted for a review, but the decision stood as replays clearly showed that he had gloved the ball. This wicket was part of a rapid collapse for the West Indies under relentless pressure from the Englis??h bowlers. Sinclair was dismissed for 1 off 17 balls.

Here’s the video:

YES WOODY!! 🔥

Mark Wood finally gets his reward at Trent Bridge! pic.twitter.com/j8qhfmRULd

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 21, 2024

Shoaib Bashir’s magic spell and England’s comprehensive victory

West Indies started their second innings strongly with an opening stand of 61, but fell apart quickly after drinks. Mikyle Louis (17) and Kirk McKenzie (1) were dismissed by Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir respectively. Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (47) also fell to Woakes. Kavem Hodge, who scored a century in the first innings, was out for a duck to Bashir, who went on to take five wickets, including the key wickets of Alick Athanaze (1) and Jason Holder (37). England won by 241 ru??ns, securing a 2-0 series lead.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Shoaib Bashir, ?Joe Root propel England to a series clinching win over West Indies in the 2nd Test

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In a sensational display of pace bowling, England pacer Mark Wood has etched his name in the record books by delivering the fastest recorded Test over by an English bowler at home. This remarkable feat took place during the ongoing second Test match against the West Indies at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Wood, known for his blistering speed, set ??the speed gun ablaze on Day 2 o??f the match, sending down deliveries that left spectators and players alike in awe.

Historical fast bowling spell

Fast bowling has always been a thrilling aspect of cricket, with several bowlers over the years making their mark with fiery spells. However, Wood’s performance at Trent Bridge stands out as one of the most extraordinary. The records for the fastest deliveries in Test cricket have been dominated by legends like Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and Mitchell Starc. Wood’s recent achievement adds his name to this illustrious list, showcasing his exceptional pace and skill.

Breakdown of Mark Wood’s fiery spell

First over: Wood wasted no time in making an ??impact as he bowled his first over of the match with remarkable speed and precision. Here’s how his first over unfolded:

• 93.9 mph: Wood’s first delivery to Windies opener Mikyle Louis was a fiery 93.9 mph, setting the tone for what was to come.
• 96.1 mph: The second ball was even quicker at 96.1 mph, beating Louis with its pace and movement.
• 95 mph: Continuing his aggressive approach, Wood delivered a 95 mph thunderbolt.
• 92 mph: The fourth delivery was slightly slower but still rapid at 92 mph.
• 96.5 mph: The highlight of the over, a searing 96.5 mph yorker, was dug out by Louis for a single.
• 95.2 mph: Wood concluded the over with a 95.2 mph delivery to West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite.

Second Over: Wood’s second over was equally intense and maintained his high-speed assault:

• 94.4 mph: The first ball of the over was a 94.4 mph delivery that tested Brathwaite.
• 94.1 mph: The next ball clocked in at 94.1 mph, keeping the batsman on his toes.
• 94.8 mph: Another quick delivery at 94.8 mph.
• 94.5 mph: Wood maintained his speed with a 94.5 mph ball.
• 94 mph: A slightly slower delivery at 94 mph.
• 95.1 mph: The over ended with a 95.1 mph ball.

Also READ: ENG vs WI: Eng?land activates bazball in Trent Bridge Test; sets a new record in the longest ?format

Third Over: Remarkably, Wood’s third over was even faster, leaving the crowd in awe:

• 95 mph: The over began with a rapid 95 mph delivery.
• 93 mph: A 93 mph ball followed, slightly slower but still fast.
• 95 mph: Wood returned to high speeds with a 95 mph ball.
• 96 mph: The fourth delivery was clocked at 96 mph.
• 97.1 mph: The standout delivery of the spell, a sizzling bouncer at 97.1 mph, elicited a gasp from the crowd as Louis swayed out of the way.
• 94 mph: The final ball of the over was a 94 mph delivery.

Wood’s spell at Trent Bridge will be remembered as one of the fastest and most thrilling in Test cricket history. His ability to consistently bowl at such high speeds has not only set a new benchmark for English bowlers but has also reaffirmed his place as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket today.

Also READ: James Anderson vs Dale Steyn: Statistical compari??son in Test cricket of the two legendary bowlers

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The T20 World Cup 2024 encounter between England and South Africa at Gros Islet, St. Lucia, was marred by a significant controversy that unfolded during a crucial moment of the m??atch.

In the game, Quinton de Kock‘s innings proved pivotal in South Africa’s commanding position, as he unleashed a barrage of brilliant shots that kept the pressure on the England bowlers throughout the match. Just as he was settling into his groove, a crucial moment arose in when a potential dismissal was overturned, granting him a lifeline to continue his aggressive batting display.

The controversial catch: Quinton de Kock’s dismissal drama

The pivotal moment arrived during the second ball of the 9th over, as Adil Rashid, renowned for his guile with the ball, sent a tempting tossed-up delivery outside leg stump. De Kock, South Africa’s linchpin, eyed an opportunity, attempting an ambitious sweep shot. The outcome was unexpected – the ball spiraled high into the air, a seemingly straightforward catch beckoning.

Mark Wood, stationed at deep backward square ?leg, read the play with precision and swiftly moved forward. He positioned himself perfectly, clutching the ball securely in his hands as the crowd erupted in anticipation of a crucial breakthrough for England. However, as the English players began their celebrations, the match officials intervened.

Here’s the video:

Umpire’s decision and the aftermath

Upon noticing De Kock’s hesitancy and the lack of a conclusive angle from the available footage, third umpire Joel Wilson was called into action. Despite the initial on-field call of ‘out’, Wilson’s review ultimately overturned the decision, citing insufficient evidence to confirm the legality of Wood’s catch. This contentious ruling left England’s captain, Jos Buttler, and the entire team visibly aggrieved, vehemently contesting the decision with the match official?s.

Mark Wood’s Reaction and Jos Buttler’s discontent

Wood, visibly disappointed by the turn of events, immediately approached on-field umpire Sharfuddoula in a bid to explain his perspective on the catch. Meanwhile, Buttler, standing nearby, closely monitored the discussion. Despite Wood’s efforts to plead his case, Sharfuddoula reiterated his inability to influence the third umpire’s decision, intensifying England’s frustration at the outcome.

Here’s the video:

pic.twitter.com/wDVmooRjR9

— Reeze-bubbly fan club (@ClubReeze21946) June 21, 2024

England falls short in chase

Meanwhile, England’s bowling unit, led by the fiery pace of Jofra Archer, staged a remarkable fightback. Archer’s aggressive spells yielded three crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 3/40 in his allotted four overs. His relentless pace and accuracy put South Africa on the back foot, curtailing their run-scoring and providing England with much-needed breakthroughs.

In the later stages of South Africa’s innings, David Miller‘s explosive hitting injected momentum, ensuring South Africa posted a challenging total of 163/7 in their 20 overs. Miller’s ability to find boundaries in the crucial overs shifted the momentum back to South Africa’s favor. Chasing 164 for victory, England faced a stern challenge from South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite valiant efforts from their top order, England fell short by seven runs. South Africa’s bowlers maintained tight lines and capitalized on the pressure created by their earlier batting exploits, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory in the contest.

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England secured a commanding victory over Pakistan in the 4th T20I at Kennington Oval in London. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, England restricted Pakistan to 157 in 19.5 overs and chased down the target with ease, completing the win in just 15.3 overs with seven wickets in hand. The match saw some exceptional performances from both sides, but it was Mark Wood‘s fiery spell that stole the spotlight.

Mark Wood’s vicious bouncer dismisses Azam Khan

In his first T20 appearance since the Indian Premier League (IPL), Wood showcased his blistering pace, consistently hitting 96mph in his opening overs. The highlight of his spell came when he dismissed Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan with a vicious bouncer. Azam, who walked in after Shadab Khan‘s departure in the 10th over with Pakistan at 84/4, struggled to cope with Wood’s pace.

Facing Wood’s second delivery of the over, Azam got into an uncomfortable position against a searing short ball. The ball, clocked at 96mph, squared him up, hitting his glove before being safely caught by England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler. Azam departed for a five-ball duck, unable to s?core any runs off the fearsome ??delivery.

Here is the video:

Absolute savagery from Mark Wood 🤯#EnglandCricket | #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/zrrksjNF95

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 30, 2024

Babar Azam urges middle-order improvement after the loss

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam reflected on Pakistan’s performance in the 4th T20I against England, highlighting that they started strong in the first six overs but lost momentum due to losing wickets. He emphasized the need for the middle-order to improve and deliver crucial overs both in the middle and towards the end of the innings.

Babar acknowledged the effectiveness of England’s bowling and expressed hope that such a performance wouldn’t be repeated in the upcoming World Cup. He also mentioned that injuries led to some changes in the lineup but noted that Pakistan showed glimpses of good cricket, especially during the powerplay.

“First six overs, we played very well. After that, the momentum shifted as wickets fell. Our middle-order needs to step up. You need 2-3 good overs in the middle and in the death as well. England’s bowling was very good. Hopefully we don’t do this in the World Cup. We made a couple of changes due to the injuries. Our powerplay was good. We have played good cricket in patches,” said Babar in the post-match presentation.

Also WATCH: ENG vs PAK – Adil Rashid delivers a dream ball to send Mohammad Rizwan packing during 4th T20I

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