England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, 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 first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
