English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "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 it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively 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 was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also 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 of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
