English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in 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 during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder 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 mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
