English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener

Mark Wood in training

The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.

The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches 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 smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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 ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with 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.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.

Judy Chang
Judy Chang

A passionate gamer and strategy enthusiast with years of experience in competitive gaming and content creation.