English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return 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 it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. 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 seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil 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 the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
