English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
