England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test

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

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

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "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 faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing 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 toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper 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 mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

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