English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series 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 sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
