England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
