England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "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 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 series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
