DP World ILT20: Wood replaces Mills in Desert Vipers squad

DUBAI: England’s left-arm fast bowler Luke Wood has been drafted into the Desert Vipers squad for the DP World ILT20.

Wood, 27, comes in as a replacement for fellow England fast bowler Tymal Mills, who has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a toe injury during the Desert Vipers’ victory in their opening match against the Sharjah Warriors last Sunday.

Wood is currently in action for the Melbourne Stars and is expected to reach Dubai on January 26, in time for the match against the Dubai Capitals on January 28 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Wood was drafted into the England squad last year and played two T20 Internationals against Pakistan in Pakistan ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup. He also made his One-Day International debut in Australia in November 2022.

On the domestic front, Wood had a successful run in The Hundred last year with champions Trent Rockets and was the third highest wicket-taker for the team that also included Desert Vipers captain Colin Munro and opening batter Alex Hales.

Currently playing for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League in Australia, Wood has taken 17 wickets in 12 games played so far, and he is currently his side’s leading wicket-taker in the competition.

Explaining the departure of Tymal Mills from the squad, Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody said: “Unfortunately for Tymal, he has had a recurrence of a troubled toe, that he has had issues with over the last twelve months.

“It is not a major injury for him, but it is enough for him and for us to take serious consideration about his own welfare and recovery of that toe.

“From a team perspective (for us) it is important to have a fully fit squad. We know we have a lot of back-to-back cricket coming up and there is going to be a lot of pressure, particularly on our bowling unit.

“We need to make sure that we have fit and available players. So, unfortunately, Tymal is not going to be available for the rest of the tournament. It is a huge loss because he is a high-quality bowler and a great character to have around the group.  He has already had a huge impact on the bowling unit and the team. It is sad to see his situation, but we certainly hope he has a speedy recovery, and that toe issue is something of the past when it is seen by the specialist.”

Moody added that the team was glad to welcome left-arm pace bowler Luke Wood as Mills’ replacement: “Luke Wood is coming off some good form in the Big Bash League so that is a great win for us.

“Luke has got great skills and has had a terrific twelve months in short-form cricket in The Hundred and representing England, and he has done well in the Big Bash League.

“He swings the ball early on and we have seen the conditions here in the UAE where the ball is swinging around, and he will relish the opportunity to get the new ball into his hands.

“Importantly for us, we are bringing in a form player who is hungry to take on these new opportunities.”