England may have struggled in the Nottingham heat but they appear to have avoided the nightmare scenario of a serious injury to their most dangerous bowler, Mark Wood, with the problem that forced the 34-year-old off the field after one ball of his 15th over diagnosed as cramp – a condition he has never previously experienced.
“It’s surprising given some of the conditions he’s played in all the way around the world,” said Paul Collingwood, England’s assistant coach. “I’m hoping it’s just a bit of fatigue. It’s been a hot day, he’s put all his effort into every ball. I couldn’t believe it when he came off and said: ‘I’ve never had cramp so I’m not too sure what it is.’ He’s got a smile on his face – I think if he was worried it’s something serious he’d be pretty distraught, but he seems pretty chipper.”
