English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler 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 first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, 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 first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
