England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series 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 matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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 currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable 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 to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
