England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year 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.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
