England quick Mark Wood has lauded captain Ben Stokes after he led the side to a historic series victory over Pakistan.
England have beaten Pakistan in Pakistan for the first time since 2000, sealing back-to-back Test victories having only ever won twice in the country before. Since taking over as skipper in the summer, Stokes and new coach Brendon McCullum have masterminded eight wins in nine.
"The way he leads the team is fantastic," Wood told Sky Sports when asked about Stokes' leadership. "He's very clear-cut in how he wants us to play.
"I'd run through a brick wall for him so I'm really pleased that I've managed to get those wickets for him. Pakistan have some skilful players and we respect them a lot, this wasn't a case of we've come here thinking we're the better team.
"We knew we had to dig in deep and honestly, I'm shattered. The effort we've had to put in to get over the line and beat this team in their own conditions, it's a monumental effort from everybody. To finally win here, 2-0, is a fantastic result."
Wood also reiterated how much he enjoys playing Test cricket for England, having had multiple injury setbacks over the years. "Anytime you get to represent England is special," he added.
"My body might let me down but I want to keep coming down and playing for England. One day my body will give up and I can't do it anymore, but at the moment I'm trying my best to charge in when my team really wants me."
And former England captain Nasser Hussain described Wood as the kind of player "every captain needs", saying: "That is a magnificent victory. Two very docile pitches, two very different pitches. They've had to work so, so hard to pull off those victories.
"Every captain needs a Mark Wood, someone who, when you're in the last-chance saloon and the match is drifting away from you, you need someone who’s small in stature but big in heart. This is one of the most incredible Test match victories."
