England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, 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 at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
