English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback 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 you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against 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 toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"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 expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.