England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test

Mark Wood in training

The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.

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 in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [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 Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," 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 where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.

Scott Best
Scott Best

A geospatial analyst with over a decade of experience in terrain modeling and environmental data visualization.