England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.