England fast bowler Mark Wood to miss third Test against Pakistan with ankle problem

England fast bowler Mark Wood will miss England's crucial third Test against Pakistan due to an ongoing ankle problem. The 25-year-old will be rested for the final match in Sharjah, with Yorkshire bowler Liam Plunkett, Sussex's Chris Jordan and or Samit Patel of Nottinghamshire in line to replace him.

Wood had taken six wickets in the first two games of the series but his chronic left ankle problem, which requires cortisone injections, means he will sit out the final match, which begins on 1 November. England need to win in order to pull level in the series, with them currently trailing 1-0.

"Woody, especially last game, showed how vital he is in these conditions with the reverse swing and extra pace," teammate Ben Stokes said. "The ankle has been a setback for quite a while so the best possible way to get as many games as possible out of him is to rest him from time to time. I think it's probably the right call.

"If it keeps on happening it could rule him out of some games when he has hit form like he has here. It's a big shame for us and for him as well because he has said we haven't seen the best of him, but out here it's the most consistent he has been. Hopefully the ankle settles down."