England to rest Wood in 3rd Pakistan Test

England are to rest paceman Mark Wood for the third and final Test against Pakistan in Sharjah starting on Sunday as he recovers from an injured ankle.

The 25-year-old from Durham was England's best quick in the 178-run loss to Pakistan in the second Test in Dubai, claiming five wickets in the match.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Friday he would miss the final Test, saying he needed to rest.

Reports suggested Wood would undergo surgery on the problem at some point, meaning he faced a lengthy layoff.

Wood is likely to be replaced by Yorkshire seamer Liam Plunkett although allrounder Chris Jordan could also be in the picture.

Nottinghamshire allrounder Samit Patel, who bowls left-arm spin, might also come into contention if team management feel the Sharjah wicket will help spinners.

England will also drop wicketkeeper batsman Jos Butler to bring in middle-order batsman James Taylor for his first Test in three years.

Jonny Bairstow will keep wicket in the Butler's absence.