English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, 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 first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
