England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think 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. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition 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 having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
