English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches 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 in the tent [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 starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, 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's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
