England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback 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 I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't 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 for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
