English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the 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 Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't 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 where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns 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 with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
