English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
