English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"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 my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st 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 in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test 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 and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
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 of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," 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 series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
