English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. 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 seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been 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 avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
