Mark Wood passed fit for England’s World Cup opener against South Africa after injury scare

The fast bowler pulled up during a warm-up game against Australia

Mark Wood has been passed fit for England‘s World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday.

The pace bowler pulled up while running in during Saturday’s warm-up match against Australia and was sent to hospital for scans on his troublesome left ankle.

They have now been assessed and the 29-year-old has been given the green light for the tournament curtain-raiser.

Wood was scheduled to bowl during the warm-up ahead of Monday’s practice match against Afghanistan but will not play any part in the match.

While England will be relieved that their quickest bowler is ready to go they will also be increasingly aware of the need to manage the Durham man’s workload.

He has bowled a grand total of 13.1 overs since the start of the summer having been rested for the early part of the domestic season.

PA