English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
