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Butcher: Wood’s spot under scrutiny
Mark Wood has been passed fit for the third Test against South Africa with scans clearing him of injury after he had reported soreness in his left heel.
However, he could still be under pressure to retain his place after managing just 1 for 197 during the first two Tests at Lord’s and Trent Bridge.
Wood has undergone three ankle operations between October 2015 and his return to England colours at the start of the season, but the soreness felt at Trent Bridge was never thought to be related.
Wood has not bowled badly in the two Tests but has not consistently provided the extra edge to the attack that he had been earmarked for alongside James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Form aside, there may also be concerns about asking Wood to play three Tests in quick succession due to his injury history.
Toby Roland-Jones, the uncapped Middlesex seamer, has been part of the squad for the first two Tests and could come into contention. Chris Woakes, who suffered a side strain during the opening match of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh, is not expected to be available until the West Indies series in mid-August.
Despite the positive news over Wood’s fitness there will be at least one change to the England side for The Oval after Gary Ballance suffered a broken finger while batting in the second innings at Trent Bridge. Liam Dawson’s position will under come under scrutiny, but coach Trevor Bayliss suggested that Keaton Jennings, who has made three single-figure scores in the series, will be given further opportunity although that may come at No. 3 depending on who replaces Ballance.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo