England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
