Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) overseas pacer Mark Wood is set to miss the final stages of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Lucknow-based franchise on May 7 (Sunday) confirmed that Wood will fly back to England for the birth of his daughter. With KL Rahul and Jaydev Unadkat already ruled out with injuries, Wood's absence will be another major setback for the Lucknow-based franchise. The right-arm express pacer was on fire to begin the season and bagged five wickets during the franchise's first game of the campaign. The English pacer, however, hasn't ruled out the prospect of returning if LSG makes a deep run into the playoffs.
"For the birth of my daughter. So, sadly, but for a good reason to go home. Hopefully, I might be able to come back and hopefully, you will be able to see me again. I am sorry that unfortunately I have not played more and in the four games that I have managed to play, I have managed to get a few wickets and hopefully, I can charge in again," the England speedster said in a video posted by Lucknow Super Giants on Twitter.
Wood was sidelined for the last few LSG matches with illness. The 33-year-old has 11 wickets in four matches. The right-arm pacer has accounted for one five-wicket haul as well.
"It's a great team togetherness here. I really love the team, the backroom staff are fantastic and it has been great to see the lads do well over different parts of the tournament," Wood said.
"One last push and get into those playoffs and make it to the finals. That's the goal and as a group, we understand that. It is tough in sports, you win some and you lose some but the lads are training hard. There are some fantastic characters in the group and they really try everything for your team. So keep believing and back them up, and I am sure they'll come good," the English pacer added.
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