English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation 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 that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
