Cricket-England's Wood ruled out of Ashes series through injury

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the season, including the current Ashes series against Australia, due to a side strain and a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday. Wood, who picked up the side strain during England's win over New Zealand in the 50-over World Cup final last month, also had knee surgery this week to clear up excess cartilage.

"As a result of these injuries, he will be unavailable for any cricket for the remainder of the season," the ECB was quoted as saying by the BBC. Wood was England's second-highest wicket-taker at the World Cup with 18 in 10 matches after Jofra Archer on 20.

England is struggling with injuries in the bowling department with Archer, who also suffered a side strain, left out for the first test against Australia and James Anderson re-injuring his calf during his opening spell on Thursday. Anderson battled to be fit for the series opener at Edgbaston after picking up an injury playing for his county, Lancashire, last month and bowled only four overs on Thursday before he left the field and did not return.