England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think 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. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"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 Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain 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 during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
