England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case 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 smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
