England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"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 versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
