English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
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 opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India 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 was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. 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 first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing 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 toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently 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 three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
