JUST IN: CSK sign England’s Mark Wood for Rs 1.5 crore

CSK have found the leader of their pace attack in England’s Mark Wood, securing his services for Rs 1.5 crore.

Coming into Day 2, CSK were short of a strong fast bowling unit, but with buys like Wood, Chahar, Ngidi and Thakur it feels like CSK have covered their bases with respect to their fast bowling unit.

The CSK think tank have been extremely shrewd with their auction strategy, going in for experience and spin on Day 1 and going in with youth and seam bowlers on Day 2.

Mark Wood has a bowling average of 24.29 and bowls his overs at an economy of 8.09.

Wood is traditionally a hit the deck bowler, with subtle variations that he uses to perfection during the death. The dry Chepauk pitch will help him with his cutters but we can’t be very sure about the bounce he would be able to extract from the Chennai track.

But if anyone can, it would be Wood, with his high arm, open chested action.

Mark Wood, in all probability will lead the Chennai attack, and with Shardul Thakur should form a very potent new ball bowling attack.

CSK though have missed out on a good foreign opening batsman, but have recruited Vijay, Faf and Watson, all of whom can open the batting for the Chennai franchise.

CSK are done with their auction proceedings, having bought 25 players and have a very balanced squad.

More to follow…