English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"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 toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with 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 in his back.
"Green is unavailable for 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 expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
