English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win 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 versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward 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 quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July 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 tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.