English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out 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 since 2010-2011.
"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 was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place 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 set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo 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.
