Major Setback To Lucknow Team As Star Pacer Is Set To Miss The Playoff Matches

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face a challenging road through the playoffs in the IPL 2023 season, as they will miss the services of their star fast bowler, Mark Wood. Wood, who left the tournament in late April to be present for the birth of his child, is not expected to return despite the franchise’s late qualification for the knockout stages.

Cricbuzz reported that an official from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed Wood’s decision to stay in England, prioritizing his involvement in the upcoming red-ball summer. The talented pacer has been included in the squad for the one-off Test against Ireland, commencing on June 1. Moreover, the Ashes series, starting from June 16, looms as a crucial event for England.

Wood’s absence from the IPL squad intensifies England’s ongoing battle with an injury crisis. Key players such as James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Olly Stone have recently suffered minor injuries during their County Championship campaigns. Furthermore, Jofra Archer’s elbow stress fracture resulted in his premature departure from the IPL 2023 as well.

Adding to the setbacks, England captain Ben Stokes, who only featured in two matches in this year’s IPL, will also not participate in the playoffs for the Chennai Super Kings. Out of the 15 English players initially part of the IPL, only Moeen Ali and Chris Jordan remain. However, as they are not involved in England’s red-ball plans, they are expected to continue representing their franchises until the tournament’s conclusion.

Mark Wood joined the Lucknow Super Giants for a hefty sum of ₹7.50 crore during the 2022 mega auction. However, injury sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. He made his debut in the franchise’s first home match in Lucknow, where he delivered a standout performance, dismantling the Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup with figures of 5/14. Despite missing subsequent matches due to illness and injury, Wood’s impact was evident, securing 11 wickets in four matches before leaving the tournament.

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As Lucknow Super Giants prepare for their crucial IPL 2023 Eliminator clash against the Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, May 24, they will undoubtedly feel the void left by Mark Wood’s absence. Having been eliminated at the same stage in the previous season following a defeat to the Royal Challengers Bangalore, LSG will need to summon all their resources to overcome this setback and advance further in the tournament.

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