England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English fast bowler 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 following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, 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 ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for 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 mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return 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 is scheduled to start October 28th.
