England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively 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.
"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, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"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 for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
