English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler 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 cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't 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 avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
