Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), one of the two new franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), suffered a huge blow prior to the upcoming season. England speedster Mark Wood has been ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow injury. He sustained the injury during England's ongoing tour of the West Indies.
LSG went all out to rope in Wood for INR 7.5 crore at the two-day mega auction event held in February. It was certain that the Super Giants pace attack would revolve around the Englishman. But his absences means that LSG does not have anyone to look at in their pace arsenal presently. The UP-based franchise is yet to announce a replacement. The 15th edition of the cash-rich league is just a few days away, and the Lucknow-based franchise will have to find a replacement at the earliest possible time.
Here is a list of five overseas pacers that they might look at as a potential replacement for the speedster from England.
Naveen-ul-Haq:
Investing in youth is something that many franchises look forward to because these players can give them a lot of years ahead. One such name is Naveen-ul-Haq. The 22-year-old Afghan pacer has been terrific for his national team ever since he made his international debut. He is not an out and out quick like Wood, but his variations makes him a great option. The right-arm medium pacer has featured in 13 T20Is. The Englishman has picked up 18 wickets at an average of 18.3 with an economy of less than 8. The stats suggest that he is a great pick, and the fact that he has played the majority of his cricket in the subcontinent makes him the front runner for this slot.
Andrew Tye:
Tye is one of those tried and tested names on the list. He has played quite a few matches in the IPL and has already tasted his fair share of success. The fact that the Aussie has experienced playing in the IPL and has been consistent in the BBL suggests that he could certainly be one of the suitable replacements for Mark Wood. Unfortunately, Tye went unsold in the IPL auction, but he might finally get a contract to join the tournament just days before it starts. The Australian pacer has picked up 40 wickets in 27 matches. Tye was the Purple Cap winner in the 2018 edition as he picked up 24 wickets in 14 games averaging 18.66. The 35-year old's ability in death overs and his variations make him a perfect fit for the conditions in the subcontinent. The right-arm pacer was the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2021-22 season of the Big Bash League (BBL) as he played an instrumental role in the Perth Scorchers' triumph.
Tabraiz Shamsi:
LSG might already have the services of Ravi Bishnoi in the team, but they can surely gamble and bring in Tabraiz Shamsi, one of the most successful T20I bowlers in the world. In normal circumstances, one would not even consider replacing Wood with Shamsi, but the fact that the matches will be played at limited venues that eventually wear out and offer a lot to the spinner suggest that the South African spinner might be a great option. Two wrist spinners bowling in tandem on those turning tracks might help LSG big time.
Saqib Mahmood:
Saqib Mahmood has grown in stature ever since his ODI debut. The young English pacer's stats in the 50-over format speak volumes about his calibre. The 25-year-old might not have the best of stats in T20 internationals, but his domestic form and performances across the globe in T20 tournaments suggest that he might be the perfect fit to replace Mark Wood. The right-arm medium pacer is a wicket-taker who loves to step up in difficult situations, and that is exactly what is needed in the toughest twenty.
Blessing Muzarabani:
The Zimbabwe speedster has joined Lucknow Super Giants, according to the reports. However, it is yet to be confirmed if he has been added as a replacement for Mark Wood or joined the franchise as net bowler. Muzarabani is a special talent that has drawn eyeballs from all over the world due to his performances. The 25-year-old pacer has represented Zimbabwe in six test matches, 30 one day internationals and 21 T20Is. In the shortest format of the game, the Zimbabwe bowler has picked 25 wickets at an economy of 8. Blessing has the skill set and the records that suggest he deserves a shot at becoming the first-ever Zimbabwe player to feature in an IPL match.