England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," 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. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with 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 in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.