England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness 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 continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
