English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
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 first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India 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 stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches 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] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, 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's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI 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.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
