England and Chennai Super Kings pacer Mark Wood leaves IPL midway to prepare for upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The news was confirm by the pacer on his official Instagram account.
“The decision has been made for me to return home to England to prepare for the English summer. Having worked so hard to get back into the Test team, and because I’m not currently in the CSK side, I am coming home to play for Durham to hopefully put my name in the hat for Test match selection.
“To the CSK management, players, and supporters, thanks so much for the support and welcoming me into this family club. It was a very proud moment for me to be presented my cap by MS Dhoni. Although things didn’t quite go to plan this year, I hope to be able to wear it again. I’ll be watching you from home and cheering you on,” Wood wrote on his Instagram account.
CSK bought him for Rs 1.5 crores in the IPL auctions. Wood went on to make his IPL debut against Mumbai Indians in the opening match of the IPL at the Wankhede Stadium, but he leaked 49 runs without picking any wicket. The 28-years-old was dropped from the team and has failed to make it to the playing 11 in any of the matches.
The England fast bowler is now available for selection to Durham for their County Championship match against Derbyshire this week.
“It’s a massive boost to have Mark available for Friday. On the occasions we’ve had him available to play for us over the last few years, he’s made some great contributions,” Durham head coach Jon Lewis said.
“He comes back to us with a big point to prove and is eager to nail down his spot in the England Test side.”
Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali, who are also playing the IPL will also be making a return to England in the coming days to prepare for the two-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning May 24 at the Lord’s.
