England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"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 faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"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 tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
