English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been 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, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort 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 domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
