England pacer Mark Wood was one of the heroes for the team's turnaround in the Ashes 2023. After the first two Tests, the Three Lions were down by 0-2. In the third game, Wood, Chris Woakes, and others started playing for the team and the changes worked. After the series, the clear winner couldn't be determined as the home side won two games. Also, the fourth game ended in a draw.
Meanwhile, Wood has signed with the Dubai Capitals for the International League T20 (ILT20) 2024. The team is the subsidiary of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. Meanwhile, with the two-time World Cup winner signing the contract, he might miss two to three Tests against India next year. For the unversed, England will tour India for five-match Test series as part of the WTC cycle 2023-25.
Him missing the Test matches might have an impact on England's results during the series. Stuart Broad has retired from the game. Apart from this, James Anderson didn't look his usual best during the home Ashes last month. Wood brings the extra pace that might come in handy especially if the ball reverses on abrasive venues.
Mark Wood is expected to get a lucrative salary in ILT20
The Lucknow Super Giants bowler in the IPL isn't confirmed to have signed with the Dubai-based team. Apparently, the franchise posted a tweet in which they used England's flag and asked the fans to guess their next signing. Also, they mentioned that the bowler delivers at 150 kmph. It was enough indication that he is none other than the 34-year-old.
Meanwhile, given the injuries, the former Chennai Super Kings player might sign a contract with the franchise. After all, his injuries have often hampered his national duties. Also, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have been flexible to allow players to play in the league despite the international series. Not to forget, early this year, Joe Root played for the Capitals when England toured Bangladesh.
This is how Twitter reacted
Waise bhi kuch nahi ukhad pata yaha
โ tea_addict ๐ฎ๐ณ (@on_drive23) August 21, 2023
No need of him just get Rehan Ahmed and they are half sorted
โ Archer (@poserarcher) August 21, 2023
An aussie would never
โ MM10 (@Har_uki_) August 21, 2023
Cricket ke L lagne wale hai 10 saal mein
โ Gagan๐ฎ๐ณ (@1no_aalsi_) August 21, 2023
England is probably saving mark wood from god of cricket kohli.
โ ๐๐จ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐๐ญ!๐๐ง_๐๐ฉ (@bholination) August 21, 2023
Obviously! Leagues are important than International cricket for English players.
โ Gaurav singh (@loggerheads24) August 21, 2023
England player prefering Franchise over Test matches
โ Pandu Raj (@CSKianPanduRaj) August 21, 2023
That's Surprising
Lol, BCCI will have a taste of their own medicine.
โ The CrickFun (@TheCrickFun) August 21, 2023
Franchise cricket jyada jaruri h ๐
โ Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) August 21, 2023
Starc>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
โ Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 21, 2023
ILT20 toh baas ek bahana hain! Reason toh yehi Hain ki Rohit Bhai form mein aa gye Hain isiliye daar rhe hain aapne records khrab karne ke liye๐
โ Jalebi Baby (@jaleebibaby) August 21, 2023
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ itโs real , franchise cricket taking over International cricket ๐ฅ
โ User45 (@140off113) August 21, 2023