English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches 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 it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st 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 net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, 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, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
