England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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 claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members 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 doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
