England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return 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 that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against 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 and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder 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 due to a back injury in his back.
"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 for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
