Mark Wood has been declared fit for the third Test at The Oval after scans revealed no serious damage to his heel.

There had been concerns over the fast-bowler’s fitness after he spent a period of time off the field due to a bruised heel during South Africa’s second innings.

The England medical staff have since allayed these fears, while also ruling out a recurrence of an ankle injury which forced Wood to spend 21 months on the sidelines.

Though Wood has failed to make a significant impact in two of the matches against the Proteas, taking only one wicket, the hosts will breathe a sigh of relief after Gary Ballance was ruled out of the encounter because of a broken finger.

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Wood has picked up 26 wickets in 10 Tests for England at an average of 40.65.

The third Test gets under way on 27 July.

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