English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil 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 that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also 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 mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
