🔗 Share this article

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament 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 explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

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

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches 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.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition 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 expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.