English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder 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's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
