English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"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 first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also 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," Cricket Australia said.
"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."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
