English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler 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 the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket 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 the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
