English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test

The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, 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 Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper 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 having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.