England fast bowler Mark Wood said he withdrew from Thursday's Indian Premier League (IPL) auction so that he could spend time with his family and get some rest ahead of a busy second half of the year.
Wood was one of eight overseas players slotted into the highest bracket (Rs 2 crore) of the auction alongside players such as Australia's Glenn Maxwell, who was sold for Rs 14.25 crore ($1.96 million) to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
"First and foremost it was my family," Wood told reporters. "We can't see our families while we're with England... I wanted to be able to switch off, go back home and recharge for the second reason -- which of course is being ready for England.
"I try to prioritise that. I don't want my body to fail me, or be a bit bruised mentally or physically going into the end of the year which includes the (Twenty20) World Cup, Ashes and a big series against India.
"Obviously there have been some big names going for big money, it's great for them. I just didn't feel the time was right. Although it's life-changing money, I'm comfortable with my decision in the long run and I hope it serves me well."
Wood was rested for the first two Tests of the ongoing series in India and is set to return for the third Test, a day-night game which begins in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
England's rotation policy has been criticised by the former players but Wood defended the board's policy to give players a break from life in bio-secure bubbles.
"I think the ECB have made a good decision and are looking after players," he said.
"From my point of view as a multi-format player, when would you get that break or that switch-off? Would you be able to keep performing at the level required if you're mentally tired or physically tired?
"We've got a massive squad and huge depth of talent, so it gives an opportunity for everyone."
