England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February 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 after an elbow problem which sidelined him 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 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 the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches 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.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of 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 further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
