English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
