English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses 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 has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match 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 in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus 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 for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day 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 affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of 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 for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
