EXCLUSIVE: Mark Wood gives England major boost with 33-year-old pace man set to sign new three-year central contract on eve of World Cup

•  Mark Wood set to sign a new three-year central contract with England
•  The lightning-fast bowler will commit to next year’s Test tour of India
•  Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here

Mark Wood is set to give England a huge boost by signing a three-year central contract and committing to next year’s Test tour of India. 

It had been feared that Wood would miss the first three Tests of the five-match series as the 33-year-old has agreed to play for the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 in the UAE in January which clashes with the start of the tour, but Mail Sport has learned that England’s fastest bowler wants to prioritise playing for his country.

Wood’s primary focus has always been playing for England, but his age and injury record had forced him to consider offers from T20 franchises, including the Dubai Capitals who are owned by IPL franchise Delhi Capital, in order to provide financial security for his family. 

The ECB’s historic move to offer three-year contracts to selected players has provided Wood with the security he needed however, and after making a major impact in last summer’s Ashes by taking 14 wickets in three matches he will continue to be available for the Test side.

Mark Wood is set to commit his future to England by signing a new three-year central contract

It had been feared that the rapid pace bowler would miss England’s Test tour of India next year

Wood’s commitment to the India tour will be a major boost for captain Ben Stokes, who is also likely to sign a three-year central contract along with Harry Brook and Joe Root. 

The ECB are confident that the majority of the 20 players who have been offered two-year deals will sign them, although a handful may prefer to keep their options open by only committing for a single season.

Wood’s pace and reverse swing is likely to prove a huge asset in India, where he is also expected to have an integral part in England’s World Cup campaign which begins with a repeat of the 2019 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad today. 

The Durham fast bowler could still honour his existing contract to the Dubai Capitals whilst seeking an early release for international duty.

Wood’s primary focus has always been playing for England, but his age and injury record had forced him to consider offers from T20 franchises

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