England's 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 says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play 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 on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing 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 and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
