English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 avoid making statements claiming, '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, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort 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 domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
