England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "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 faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
