English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back 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 Ashes starts on 21 November in 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 in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, 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 I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
