England bowler Mark Wood has been rested for the third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah due to an “ongoing ankle condition”, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced.

Wood, who has taken six wickets in the opening two matches of the series, will drop out of the team for the final Test, which starts on Sunday, in order to protect the chronic problem.

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England Cricket tweeted: 

The Durham paceman has been taken out of the side with a forthcoming hectic schedule in mind as a One Day International series against Pakistan next month is followed by a tour to South Africa later this winter.

His omission opens the door for Yorkshire bowler Liam Plunkett to potentially come into the side, although Samit Patel is also an option should England want to go with three spinners.

Alastair Cook’s men need to win in Sharjah to draw the three-match series 1-1 after they lost the second Test in Dubai on Monday.