England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood 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.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win 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 make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
