England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out 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 expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.