English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation 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.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, 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 at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements 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."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, 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, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
