England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of 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 to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
