English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back 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 on 28 October.
