England World Cup boost with Mark Wood winning race to be fit for opener against South Africa

MARK WOOD received a big boost yesterday when told his latest foot injury should not keep him out the World Cup.

Fast bowler Wood, 29, was in despair on Saturday when forced to leave the field after bowling just 3.1 overs in England’s warm-up defeat to Australia.

He suffered pain in his left foot – the same foot on which he has undergone three ankle operations.

Wood later went for a jog around the nursery ground in Southampton but felt further discomfort. It was then that medics decided to send him for a scan.

He was the only England player on Sunday not to take part in the Westminster Mile fun run in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foundation.

He will not play against Afghanistan in England’s final warm-up match at the Oval but could be available for the World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday.

Spinner Adil Rashid, batsman Joe Root and speedster Jofra Archer are all likely to feature against the Afghans.

WALKING WOUNDED

Captain Eoin Morgan is recovering well after suffering a minor fracture to his left index finger on Friday and on course to face South Africa.

Liam Dawson is likely to be rested on Monday after needing stitches in a cut finger on Saturday.

All-rounder Chris Woakes, who played as a specialist batsman against the Aussies, should feature as a bowler today.

England will receive their first look at leg-spinner Rashid Khan, 20, rated by many as the best white ball bowler in the world.

Jonny Bairstow played with Khan for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the recent IPL and could pass on some hints to his England team-mates.

Bairstow said: “For me, Rashid is a very dangerous bowler. There’s a reason he is the No1 Twenty20 bowler in the world.

“His wrist comes over quickly and he bowls quickly for a spinner, trying to hit the stumps. We need to negate him because he will be a big threat.

"I will pass on some personal knowledge and believe that trying to play him as straight as possible will be key.”

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