English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem 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 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 my speed is increasing."
The first match 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, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already 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 for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.