England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"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 the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus 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 toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
