English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back 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 starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players 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 affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
