English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series 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 that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at 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 the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
