England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes 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 opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches 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.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, 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, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
