England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood 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 opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think 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 first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
