English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 for that game."
"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 quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.