'Durham quick could return if Stokes' calf injury proves serious'
Tuesday 26 July 2016 10:32, UK
England could turn to Mark Wood if Ben Stokes' calf injury rules him out of the third Test against Pakistan, says Sir Ian Botham.
Stokes is set for an MRI scan after pulling up while bowling shortly before England wrapped up an emphatic 330-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday.
Wood, a member of the Ashes-winning attack last summer, has recently returned from an ankle injury, impressing for the England Lions in their one-day series against Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A.
"There isn't another all-rounder, so England will have to pick another bowler for Stokes," Botham told Sky Sports after England levelled the four-Test series at 1-1.
"How about Mark Wood? He is on his way back and could leapfrog his way back into the side. There is also the possibility of Adil Rashid if it is going to turn, while England also have other people that can step up."
Joe Root was named Man of the Match as England hammered Pakistan by 330 runs in Manchester, the Yorkshireman hitting a career-best 254 in the first innings and a brisk 71 in the second.
However, Beefy also praised England skipper Alastair Cook - the opener recording scores of 105 and 76 not out - and all-rounder Chris Woakes, who backed up his 11-wicket haul in the 75-run defeat at Lord's with seven scalps at Old Trafford.
On Cook, Botham said: "When he plays at his best it's because he is leaving the ball well and not playing at balls outside the off-stump and bringing the slips and wicketkeeper into play.
"The bowlers then bowl straighter and that's right in his slot - I thought he played really well, controlling the innings and eliminating the risk."
On Woakes, the Sky Cricket expert added: "He has an action that repeats well and doesn't bowl many bad deliveries. His run-up is sorted, he doesn't bowl no-balls and seems to have an injury-free, uncomplicated style, while he has also added a yard of pace."
Watch England's third Investec Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston from 10am on Wednesday, August 3 on Sky Sports 2.
