England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort 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 the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
