English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match 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 for many months.
"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 faced setbacks on several occasions, 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 aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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 avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already 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 after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.