Major blow for England as Wood ruled out of first Pakistan Test

The 32-year-old sustained a hip injury during England's successful T20 World Cup campaign

PHOTO: Cricket Australia

England have suffered a major blow ahead of the first Test against Pakistan at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Head coach Brendon McCullum during the press conference, revealed that the pacer Mark Wood has been ruled out of the series opener due to an existing hip injury, starting from December 1.

In pictures: England starts training at Pindi Stadium

The 32-year-old sustained the injury during England's successful T20 World Cup campaign, forcing him to miss the semi-final against India and the final against Pakistan.

Wood has been rehabilitating well and will likely be available for the final two Tests in Multan and Karachi.

Remember, England added young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, to the squad during the camp in Abu Dhabi before traveling to Pakistan. He was part of The Lions (England second XI), who played a three-day practice game against the main squad.