England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit 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 underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
