England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it 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 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 in the tent [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.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
