England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery 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 that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, 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 starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games 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 over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
