England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
