The 35-year-old England fast bowler Mark Wood has been effectively ruled out from the upcoming key home summer Test series against India as he will miss the game for four months following an operation on his knee. 

During the Group B match against Afghanistan in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mark Wood left the field during his fourth over after experiencing locking in his knee. Although he returned to the field after 38 minutes, he bowled four more overs as he had the bowling figures of 8-0-50-0. While England lost that match by eight runs to be eliminated from the tournament with one match yet to be played, the last batter Wood was not out for two runs in three balls.  

Wood missed out on England's last group stage game against South Africa. On Wednesday (March 12) morning, Wood underwent surgery in London after scans confirmed medial ligament damage. After the successful surgery, the English fast bowler will be out of the game for four months. 

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I can't wait to get back: Mark Wood

In a statement released, Wood said, "I'm gutted to be out for so long after representing England across all formats since the start of last year. I want to thank the surgeon, the doctors, staff, my England teammates and coaches for their support - and, of course, our fans. I can't wait to get back and contribute to what is going to be a huge 2025 for us as a team."

Wood and surgery isn't a new story as it was his eighth surgery. While the India tour of England for the five-match Test series will begin on June 20, Wood has very little chance to be part of the English team for any match of the series. The last Test of the series will begin on July 31, and Wood is unlikely to feature in the game, especially as he will hardly have a chance to prepare for it. 

Mark Wood will be essential for England in the away Ashes

Due to his furious speed, Wood is an important character in the English fast bowling line-up in any format. While he has the central contract, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has restricted him from joining the Indian Premier League 2025 edition to manage his workload. But the recent injury has forced him to miss out on important home Test series against India. The English team management will now hope to get him fit for the away Ashes in the 2025-26 edition.