England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder 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's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
