English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "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 faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering 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 for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
