English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been 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 where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.