England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead 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 underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
