Mike Atherton: Mark Wood's injury is worrying for England

Wood was restricted to bowling just five overs on day three in Antigua and spent a large portion of the match receiving treatment for an elbow injury

Former England captain Mike Atherton has voiced his concerns about Mark Wood’s elbow injury, comparing the fast bowler to his injury-plagued colleague, Jofra Archer.

Wood bowled just five overs on day three in Antigua and spent a large portion of the match off the pitch receiving treatment.

Up until that point, he had been England’s quickest bowler by some distance, recording figures of 1 for 45 and bowling four maidens in his 17 overs.

His elbow troubles are believed to have flared up towards the end of the Ashes tour.

^{Fellow England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been plagued with elbow injuries [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Atherton said: "Right elbow for a fast bowler [is] worrying, think of Jofra Archer. He’s not going to bowl again in this game I wouldn’t have thought and must be a doubt for Barbados.

"When you look at the shape of England’s attack, it’s the pace that gives them that extra edge and it’s Mark Wood. Of the three that England fancy – Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and Mark Wood – Mark Wood was the last man standing and now it looks as though he’s injured as well, so it’s a blow for England."

Wood’s injury leaves England in a tricky position, with fellow quick Ollie Robinson also a doubt for the second Test after hurting his back in the warm-up match.

Ben Stokes, meanwhile, who was supposed to be used sparingly with the ball as he continues his return from injury, has already bowled 28 overs in the first innings.

Should Wood miss the second Test, it will only add more scrutiny to the decision to leave James Anderson and Stuart Broad, two fit and firing bowlers, at home.