English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out 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 on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, 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, '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 Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.