England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India 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 was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, 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 now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
