Mark Wood called up for England's Caribbean tour as replacement for Olly Stone

Mark Wood has been called into the England Test squad as a replacement for Olly Stone.

Wood, who played the last of his 12 Tests in May, recently impressed with his pace and fitness on the Lions tour to the UAE where he played in all three formats of the game. He is expected to arrive in Barbados this weekend.

Stone, meanwhile, will return to England on Friday having been diagnosed with a stress fracture in the lower back.

"I am really pleased to get the call and I do feel for Olly in these circumstances," said Wood. "I am excited to be joining up with a team that's flying at the minute. The lads, under Rooty [Joe Root], showed what they are capable of. They are in a great place going into the West Indies tour and hopefully a successful 2019."

Given his role in England's ODI side, there might have been a temptation to rest Wood with a view to saving him for the World Cup. But he has made no secret of his continuing Test aspirations and has been preferred ahead of less experienced candidates such as Jamie Porter and Jamie Overton.

While Wood's Test record is modest - he has a bowling average of 41.73 - the England management feel his pace can prove an asset on flat pitches. And while that pace has not always lived up to its billing, the selectors feel he is currently fit enough to fulfil his potential.

"I have put a lot of work into my game when I was away with Lions in the UAE during November and December and I took on board what the coaches were looking for while I was there," he said. "We discussed the way I trained, being more efficient with my preparation and having a positive mindset.

"I am enjoying myself and having fun with the game again. I am very clear about where I am at and I have a lot of clarity.

"My body is good to go. I left the tour of the UAE in a really good place physically. I have had a clear thought process and mentally I feel fresh and excited to continue to improve on things I started with the Lions and play with a smile on my face."

The recall completes a happy few weeks for Wood, who got married in Northumberland in December, and had been on honeymoon in Paris prior to his unexpected call-up.

"To hear from National Selector Ed Smith was a surprise but very satisfying," he said. "It has been a very happy time for me and the family."