England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"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 the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, 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 I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness 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 concerns over the condition of skipper 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 having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return 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.
