Mark Wood breaks opponent's thumb with ferocious ball during England vs Sri Lanka
23/08/2024 17:15
Mark Wood's ferocious ball forced Sri Lankan batsman Dinesh Chandimal to retire for ten on day three of the first test.
The former Sri Lanka captain was the unfortunate recipient of a 93mph ball from the Durham bowler that struck Chandimal’s hand.
Chandimal was seen wincing as soon as impact was made with his thumb and instantly signalled for medical attention.
Video replays were enough to make anybody squirm with the ball bouncing off the wicket at tremendous pace before striking Chandimal directly on his thumb.
Even the Sky Sports commentary team felt the impact from the booth with cries of 'wowch' as the cameras penned to Chandimal.
It was quickly evident the 34-year-old had suffered a potential break with swelling developing around his thumb as he was escorted to hospital for an X-ray.
A concerned Wood watched on as he returned to the pavilion at Old Trafford with his participation in the remainder of the Test now in doubt.
Wood is known for his speed and is credited as one of the fastest bowlers in the world, with an average Test pace of 89mph.
England will fancy their chances of claiming victory in the first test after posting 358 in the first innings in reply to Sri Lanka's opening 236.
Jamie Smith was England’s brightest spark, bringing up his first Test hundred having performed admirably with the bat, posting a total of 111.
Sri Lanka lost two early wickets in response to England's 122-run lead when Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis were dismissed for ducks before Chandimal was inadvertently struck.
The tourists were 74-3 in the second innings at the time of Chandimal's injury but regained their composure to avoid a collapse and are 134-4 at the time of writing.
The four-match series moves onto Lord’s for the second Test on Thursday before heading to The Oval and finishing at Worcester's New Road.
Sri Lanka are England men's final Test opponents in 2024 having faced Pakistan in May and the West Indies in July.
Australia are the final visitors to England to round off the year, with T20 and One-Day internationals due to take place next month.
