Wood is expected to return in July

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England pace bowler Mark Wood went under the knife for the second time on Thursday to repair his troublesome ankle.

Wood initially underwent surgery on his left ankle after returning home early from England’s tour of the United Arab Emirates, where they played Pakistan, in November last year.

With the pain having returned earlier this month, Wood went to see a specialist in Netherlands on Tuesday and he was told that a small piece of bone was causing irritation and inflammation at the back of the joint.

“Durham and England pace bowler Mark Wood has undergone surgery on his left ankle,” a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said. “Following successful surgery to the front of his left ankle in November, a further procedure was undertaken yesterday to address ongoing issues at the back of the ankle.

“Wood will now undertake a period of rehabilitation and begin a back-to-bowling programme before returning to competitive cricket later this summer.”

While his second surgery was a success, the 26-year-old is expected to miss England’s home series against Sri Lanka in May and June, but could make his comeback when the national team take on Pakistan in July.