English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against 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 and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by 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 July due to a back injury 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 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.
