Sharjah: England pacer Mark Wood has been rested for the third cricket Test against Pakistan starting here on Sunday due to an ongoing ankle condition, it was announced on Friday.

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"Wood, who has taken six wickets in the opening two matches of the series, 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," England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) wrote on its official website.

His omission opens the door for Yorkshire bowler Liam Plunkett or Sussex’s Chris Jordan to potentially come into the side, although Samit Patel is also an option should England decide 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.