England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks 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 begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't 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 set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
