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 has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, 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, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns 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.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
