Wood will not feature in the third and final Test against Pakistan

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England pace bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah due to an ankle injury.

Wood, who has taken six wickets in the first two Test matches at an average of 28.33, has been dealing with chronic ankle issues and has been rested as a precaution.

England head coach Trevor Bayliss hinted that England may opt to choose a third spinner as the wicket is expected to be a lot flatter in Sharjah.

“Our plan, before seeing the pitch, was that we might go with three spinners,” Bayliss told reporters. “I think New Zealand and Pakistan both played three spinners in their series here last year. So that is an option I suppose.

“But the one thing that could go against that is that our pace bowling has been outstanding. As a quartet of pace bowlers, it’s been excellent.

“So, on the one hand, you might want a bit of extra spin but, on the other hand, you’re then taking away from your strength in your bowling on this tour. So we’ve got to sit down and analyse that and make a decision.”