England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry 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 which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
