English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at 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 during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements 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."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint 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 is scheduled to start on 28 October.